Oakland Raiders That Need a Shot

Sep 28, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) looks downfield for a pass to tight end David Ausberry (86) during the second half of the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Oakland Raidersat Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

David Ausberry

Just like fullback Marcel Reece, tight end David Ausberry was a receiver in college that outgrew the position. He’s a little taller and longer than Reece so that makes him a more ideal fit for tight end while Reece does his thing at fullback. His speed and 3-cone drill time are almost identical to that of receiver Rod Streater while his hands are just as good.

For those of you that don’t know, the 3-cone drill is the best way to measure how much separation a receiver can create. Ausberry bulked up his first couple of years, , learned the blocking part of his position then won the starting job last year. But shoulder surgery put an end to his 2013 and after winning the job again, surgery delayed his playing tight end until last Sunday.

Ausberry actually looked good with the couple of opportunities he was given so I want to see him get more. It would be nice to see the same tight end that gets open deep down the field be the same one that blocks well for the running back. That would mean big-time one-on-one mismatches and slipping past the defense in play action for big plays.

The Raiders would be a nightmare as they go empty backfield with their base personnel.