The team could simply be working through salary cap constraints; the restricted free agent market hasn't begun yet.
The Raiders did test the waters and recently traded one of their two third-round picks —No. 85 overall acquired from New England in the Derrick Burgess trade—to the Cleveland Browns for linebacker Kamerion Wimbley. This is a good move by the Raiders— one that is a low-risk, high-reward choice.
Wimbley is the only linebacker on the roster penciled in as a starter right now. It appears that some changes will be made and that the linebackers are quietly being blamed for the team ranking near the bottom of the league in the run-stopping category.
The Raiders linebacker corps is filled with uncertainty. Starters Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison are restricted free agents that could be had by any team for a second- and third-round draft choice, respectively. The Raiders may or may not bring back starting MLB Kirk Morrison.
However, Oakland hasn’t had a leader at the MLB position since Greg Biekert. Trevor Scott made a nice transition to linebacker from defensive end—and he even replaced Thomas Howard at one point last season. Jon Alston has signed with the Buccaneers. Ricky Brown, Slade Norris, David Nixon, and Isaiah Ekejiuba will return and battle for roster spots.
Oakland has several holes to fill and only eight draft choices to accomplish the task.
The one thing that has to change in Oakland is that this team needs to rebuild through the draft and develop its own players. The most glaring needs are at quarterback, defensive tackle, offensive tackle, middle linebacker, cornerback, and defensive end.
JaMarcus Russell is a bust, and the QB position is the biggest need; h...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
