He's known as being a leader, a very smart player and a great teammate. It's only 4 days into training camp and all 3 issues have already been addressed.
The last several seasons has seen a lack of communication among the linebackers with someone always being out of position because they had no one to keep them in line. The middle linebacker's job is to keep the defense in the right position and to effectively communicate any changes and then effectively be able to ensure everyone's in the right spot.
Ro is taking over a beloved Oakland Raider in Kirk Morrison. Although Kirk was a great teammate and had some skills, he sorely lacked in the communication and studying departments and wasn't a great fit for Oakland's middle linebacker spot.
Some fans in the Raider Nation believe Kirk was a scapegoat, but most fail to realize Morrison was an outside linebacker in college and was drafted to be an outside linebacker with the Raiders but was moved to the middle linebacker spot his second year.
Unlike Ro who has been a middle linebacker his whole career, Morrison wasn't a true middle linebacker. He didn't have the natural instincts to lead his team and ensure the team communicated well. There was too much confusion within the roster and they had no one to keep them on the same page which is typically the middle linebacker's job.
Although it was sad to see Morrison traded for a 4th round pick, it was great to see Oakland upgrade the position. Once rolled around Ro was already showing his ability to study and master the playbook and become the middle linebacker Kirk couldn't ever become.
I love the fact he's already becoming a leader. He knows he makes an impact on his teamma...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
