Oakland Raiders 2012 Draft Wish List No. 5: OLB Shea McClellin

Last season, one of the Oakland Raiders' biggest issues was the outside linebacker position opposite of Kamerion Wimbley. Both Quentin Groves and Aaron Curry were lackluster. Curry, who the Raiders acquired midseason, had a decent year, but it was nothing to brag about.  

It's definitely a place the Raiders can improve on, and it's probable that they will. They can go about this problem a couple of ways.

The first is keep what they already have. Curry and Groves both have great potential. Curry was touted as one of the best defensive players of his draft class, going fourth overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Obviously, things didn't work out when the Raiders traded only a seventh-round pick for him.

Groves had a great career at Auburn. He recorded 26 sacks at Auburn, was named to numerous award watch lists and made the First Team All-SEC in 2006. Drafted in the second round, obviously, Groves had tremendous talent. However, his transition to the NFL has not gone all so well, playing defensive end for the Jaguars and outside linebacker for the Raiders.  

However, after being replaced midseason, it's a question if Groves will even be retained. That being said, I hope he is so that he has another shot, especially if the Raiders change their defense up. As a pass-rushing specialist, Groves should be licking his lips.

If Reggie McKenzie decides that neither Groves nor Curry are what he wants, he may want to take a dip into the free-agency pool. Jarrett Johnson, Ahmad Brooks and Anthony Spencer are a few names that could peak some interest. Johnson would be my favorite, as he's been the most consistent and is the best in pass coverage.  

Brooks, on the other hand, is a really good pass-rusher, getting seven sacks on a loaded 49ers defense. He also spent a few years together with defensive coordinator Jason Tarver. 



Or, they can look at the draft to groom some talent,...

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