Oakland Raiders: 5 Intriguing 2014 Predictions….That Just Might Come True
By Vic Lopez
Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Western Kentucky strong safety Jonathan Dowling speaks to the media during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadum. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
3) Jonathan Dowling Becomes Future for Raiders at Free Safety
A playmaker waiting to happen….That is Jonathan Dowling, a player with that X-Factor to make plays.
Either picking off the quarterback, or rocking a ball carrier with a big hit, Dowling makes his presence felt on the field.
His cocky attitude, aggressive behavior, and immaturity have cost Dowling a chance at being one of the top safeties in the draft.
But Reggie McKenzie and the Raiders were smart, they knew they had a once cocky, immature and aggressive player on their team….his name is Charles Woodson.
Woodson will be the first to admit he was immature during his first tenure with the Raiders. Which makes him the ideal mentor for the young Dowling.
If Dowling can fall under the wing of veterans like Woodson, Tyvon Branch, and Usama Young, the 7th rounder could be a major steal for the Raiders.
In position in need of depth and young talent, Dowling couldn’t have landed in a better spot than Oakland.