Dec 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Sio Moore (55) jogs off the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Linebackers:
WLB- Sio Moore, “a Burnett” (Pick one), Nick Roach
MLB- Nick Roach, Miles Burris, Carlos Fields
SLB- Khalil Mack, Sio Moore, Kaluka Maiava
3-4 Sub Package (WLB, WILB, SILB, SLB)- Sio Moore, Miles Burris, Carlos Fields, Khalil Mack
Firstly, I reseerve the right to get cute on one roster spot. I am uncertain if Kevin Burnett sticks around. With his absence from camp, his three million dollar salary, and the recent roster needs in Dallas and Arizona, a cut or trade could easily happen meaning the Burnett on the roster is Kaelin not Kevin. Moore being moved to the weakside is best for the team. He is a more natural run and hit linebacker while Mack has a more diverse skill set and coverage abilities.
Defensive Line (Left to Right):
Starters: Justin Tuck, Antonio Smith, Stacy McGee, Lamarr Woodley
Backups: CJ Wilson, Pat Sims, Justin Ellis, Shelby Harris
Run Stopping sub package: Justin Ellis, Pat Sims, Stacy McGee, Shelby Harris
“NASCAR” Sub Package: Khalil Mack, Justin Tuck, Lamarr Woodley, Sio Moore
3-4 Sub Package: CJ Wilson, Justin Ellis, Shelby Harris
This group is fairly straight forward, but I do believe seventh round pick Shelby Harris makes this roster. He was an absolute menace in college and has added some solid weight. If he cuts down to 275 pounds he can be a lean, mean, 43 right defensive end in the future. He could also shift inside if needed to rush the passer from there like he did in college. I love his upside and I think his versatility will be highly appreciated. Think of the Seattle Seahawks run stopping defensive line with 330 pound Red Bryant playing LE in a 4-3 to view Ellis’ role in that set.