Oakland Raiders Free Agent Acquisitions By the Numbers

Sep 21, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith (85) against the San Diego Chargers at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Lee Smith – Tight End

Lee Smith is coming in to add versatility to the Tight End position. He couldn’t possibly be more opposite than Mychal Rivera, in play style and skill set. Again, I don’t see Smith as a replacement to Rivera, but a compliment to the position. With the number of Tight Ends who were consistently on the injury report last season, Reggie needed to add a reliable option at the position.

More importantly he needed to add a Tight End who can block. Enter, Lee Smith. He’s a blocking tight end. His job is to protect Derek Carr, and make holes for the run game to improve.

Here’s Lee Smith, by the numbers.

• Overall Ranking: 22nd
• Overall Grade: +.3
• Receiving: -1.4 (37th overall)
• Pass Block: +.8 (Tied for 16th)
• Run Block: +1.9 (Tide for 20th)
• Pas Block %: 97.9% (Tied fro 9th)

Remember, a 0.00 grade is average. In blocking, he grades out above average in both Pass Protection, and Run Blocking. A great asset to an offense than had trouble running the ball last season. With him and Rivera, the Raiders have again increased the versatility at a position.

Next: FA By the Numbers: Nate Allen