Oakland Raiders: Maximizing Talent Through the Hybrid Defense
By Vic Lopez
November 24, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Experience and Versatility….
The current Raiders roster boast over ten players with experience in the 3-4 defense either in college or the pros. The list includes standouts like Lamarr Woodley, Charles Woodson, Antoino Smith, CJ Wilson, Sio Moore, Carlos Rogers, Tarrell Brown and Khalil Mack.
It is obvious Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen have a high value on players who offer versatility. Versatility is essential to having a Hybrid defense that DA and Jason Tarver hope to implement in 2014.
In addition to the experience players the Raiders brought in, they also sought out players who can play both schemes.
Players like Pat Sims, Justin Tuck, Justin Ellis and Nick Roach may have all played on 4-3 defenses in the past, but they all have the ability to translate their talents in both schemes.
Sims and Ellis are scheme-versatile players that can play a two-gapping NT role or the 3-technique rushing the passer.
Tuck is not an ideal 5-technique in a 3-4, but has played DT on passing downs with the Giants in the past, which could translate well. Same for MLB Nick Roach who may lack the size for a 3-4 inside linebacker, but can play all linebacker positions effectively.
Both Roach and Tuck have limitations in a 3-4, but both are highly intelligent players and official team leaders of the defense, making them vital in any scheme.