Oakland Raider position analysis: Linebacker

Thoughts from the Dark Side

March 3, 2008

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The Oakland Raiders have two stand out young linebackers in Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison. The often injured Sam Williams and Robert Thomas will duke it out to fill the third 'backer position. Isaiah Ekejiuba and Ricky Brown provide depth and are two of the best Raider special teams players. This position is pretty well set for the Raiders. Kirk Morrison is one of the defensive captains and has emerged as one of the best young middle linebackers in the game. His play will benefit greatly if the Raiders do finish upgrading their defensive tackle position. If they have a wide body nose tackle eating space and taking up blockers, that will free Morrison to make the plays. Thomas Howard, who was a pick that was questioned when the Raiders grabbed him in the second round out of UTEP. He was thought of a speed guy, but he has shown that he comes to play. He had six picks last season including two touchdowns. He has the speed to string the plays to the outside. Sam Williams was a project that Al Davis drafted him in the third round in 2003 out of Fresno State. At first he was expected to be a speed rushing defensive end, but that never developed and he was moved back to linebacker. The biggest knock on him is that he has yet to finish a season without an injury. Robert Thomas has been decidedly average in his two years in Oakland. He needs to be better at stopping the run, and I am sure that he will be better at it once the Raiders address the nose tackle position. Ricky Brown and Isiah Ekejiuba are both depth linebackers who bring the heat on special teams. The Raiders coverage teams were at their best last season when they were teamed with a healthy Jarrod Cooper, and formed the Bermuda Triangle. (Returners get in, but they do not get out.) Free Agency outlook: Don't look for the Raiders to make a move. The most they will do here is bring guys in for depth and to provide competition. Draft outlook: Don't look for the Raiders to make a move.

Tags: Isaiah Ekejiuba, Kirk Morrison, NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders, Ricky Brown, Robert Thomas, Sam Williams, Thomas Howard

Discussion

21 Comments on "Oakland Raider position analysis: Linebacker"

Posted by LDizzle, March 3, 2008 12:23 AM

Wow RaiderKev I was not sure whether to believe in what you said but since you put an exclamation mark after nearly every sentence and three at the end of every post I KNOW you are serious!!! Such passion. This is the first news I have heard that DeAngelo Hall was even out there to be had. Seems like a stretch to think that the Falcons would take Turd and Fabs for him though. I am not sure the Raiders could afford him anyway. Also CB is not exactly the area the Raiders need to focus on at this moment.

I just love all of these huge far fetched trades and draft scenarios that people throw out there. As if AD can trade for anyone and draft anyone he wants and is just deciding not to. Good comedy.

Posted by Position Analysis: Linebacker - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Board - Where the Raider Nation live, March 3, 2008 12:48 AM

[...] Analysis: Linebacker Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - Most Valuable Network � Blog Archive � Oakland Raider position a... __________________ "While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a [...]

Posted by OakFoSho, March 3, 2008 4:19 AM

In the last posts comments there were many people asking about compensatory picks. My blogging buddy Saint at �Ķ�Ķ

www.silverandblackpride.com

just did a post on all the intricacies of compensatory picks so check it out.

http://www.silverandblackpride.....02328/3197

Patrick, I hope its cool to link another Raider blog, and I threw up a shout out to this blog over there as well.

OakFoSho

Posted by OakFoSho, March 3, 2008 4:54 AM

On th topic of LBs. I played one season with Kirk Morrison at Bishop O'Dowd. I was a junior and he was our star RB and MLB. (I was a terrible football player, no Al Bundy stories here, one of the few HS players that will actually admit that, but thats not the point.) If not for all the hoopla surrounding DJ Williams at De La Salle, Kirk would have gotten much more attention in the East Bay than he did. At the time I believe he was a higher rated RB than MLB out of HS, but he went to play MLB at SD State, where he recorded ridiculous tackling numbers in college. When he was drafted by the Raiders in the 3rd round, lets just say it was a great day for Oakland. There is no bigger Kirk Morrison fan than myself, and I don't care if its bias, but I wouldn't want anyone else as the MLB for the Oakland Raiders. He just gets better and better, and he is a home town product.

Thomas Howard is the perfect OLB in coverage. He still tries to run around blocks rather than take them on, but he too has shown consistent improvement, and if the Raiders had had a better record, I have no doubt he would have gone to the Pro Bowl. I think it's a crime he was left off the team with 6 INTs. Both Thomas and Kirk should be Pro Bowl staples in the coming years.

I am not convinced that the strong side is at all adequate. The play at that possition has been so poor at times, the Raiders chose the augmented Nickle package, termed Wolverine (from CWs days in Oakland), to try and compensate. This is another reason that the Raiders have trouble stopping the run. As good as Kirk and Thomas are, they are undersized 'speed' LBs, and not to have an affective strong side LB, just amplifies this simple fact. True DT is a huge piece of that puzzle, but the strong side, or lack there of, definitely plays its role.

The strong side is definitely not the Raiders most pressing need, but with all but a couple 'interesting but not really worth it' WRs, and DEs left in the FA market, the Raiders might want to take a look at one of these guys to try and fill the need, or at least provide some more healthy competition at the position.

Clark Haggans

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=5166

Landon Johnson

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=6855

Dan Morgan

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=5458

Calvin Pace

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=6354

Demorrio Williams

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=6860

If you don't have insider, well , sorry, but I am sure you can find a scouting report somewhere.

OakFoSho

Posted by OakFoSho, March 3, 2008 5:18 AM

OakFoSho

Posted by Rolni, March 3, 2008 5:30 AM

I'm a huge Kirk fan too and of course i like Howard a lot too!!

The Firm is a bright spot in our team...i would like a little better guy at the strong side but if the D-line can play at least solid our LB's will be great!!

Posted by LDizzle, March 3, 2008 10:33 AM

OakFoSho: I agree with you completely on the LB position (can you believe it? I agree with you on something!) I even had some of the same names as you on my mental list. Pace imo was the best of what was left (after Mitchell) but I believe he is set to sign with the Dolphins. I like all the other guys on your short list of LB but I would also put Rosevelt Colvin on it. I had Rob Morris and Kendrell Bell on my list of cuts the Raiders should talk to but Those two would be more for depth and competition purposes. I think Colvin could stand out. Dan Morgan is another guy who can't stay healthy so I am not completely sure about him.

Posted by J.Little, March 3, 2008 10:51 AM

OakFoSho: I disagree with you on the LB position! How can you say the firm are undersized? Kirk Morrision & Thomas Howard are both 240 lbs. When we speak of OLB's the optimum size is 6'3" 240 lbs. and the minimum size is 6'0" 225 lbs. I do agree with you that the SLB position is not settled at all. Robert Thomas is the starter has beaten out Sam Williams before and will again. I like Sam but I have no idea why he was re-signed. I would love to see the Raiders go hard after and sign OLB Calvin Pace who is a guy that would bring a huge return on the investment and provide a much needed pass rush with the size to stop the run as well. He is STILL out there even though the Dolphins are coming hard after him. Roosevelt Colvin is out there as well.

Posted by Diamond Jim, March 3, 2008 10:51 AM

As stated when addressing the D-Line, those LB's need to be protected so they can chase. Speed, athletic ability and coverage skills they have but taking on the run is the problem. Gap responsibility, overpersuit and shedding blocks were a huge problem. Taking care of the D-Line will be a major plus for them. Thomas, to me is a cover guy and I don't really know what to make of Williams at this point. Since Morrison is staying at the MLB position, I would like to see us bring a veteran strong side LB with some instincts and who can take on a block. He could also serve as a mentor to our very young LB corps. Some of the things stated above were very disconcerning (embarassing) to watch last year. I have to look at the coaching staff as a part of the problem as these things went on week after week. The RB would get to the second level and there just was nobody there. Nobody to be found. Hence, a veteran could be a big help since I am just not that confident in our defensive staff. Fix the D-Line (with better coaching and better personnel), pick up a veteran OLB then Howard and Morrison will be in the Pro-Bowl very shortly.

#10

Posted by Raiderkev25, March 3, 2008 11:18 AM

The Raiders do have a problem at LOLB! Sam Williams and the undersized Robert Thomas is not the answer. I would definetly bring in a vet like Kendrell Bell or Brian Simmons as competition on that side. Robert Thomas needs to be cut or back in the middle where he's best. Kendrell Bell would be the best solution if u ask me. He's big, strong, and fast for a linebacker his size. He kinda reminds me of a Napoleon Harris. I think also that Tommy Kelly needs to start at LE to insure that we stop the run this year. Burgess has no right to be starting at LE at his size. If we don't give DT Terdell Sands the opportunity to play, then package him up with a pick or a player in trade him for a needed player! The problem last year was that the defensive alignment was unbalanced. Burgess is way undersized to play LE and got pushed around all year. Robert Thomas at LOLB weighs like 235 at the most and was none existant in plays. S Michael Huff is like 200 lbs wet playing SS where he is a free safety that needs to be put in position to make plays, not covering TE's! U see the unstableness on that side. That's why we were over pursuing alot last year, cuz Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison was frustrated and tried to make all the plays! Getting SS Gibril Wilson helps with the balance cuz now Huff can be a playmaker a his natural position. Getting a physical solid vet like LOLB Kendrell Bell is key. Put Tommy Kelly at LE and don't be surprised if Warren Sapp all of sudden has a desire to play again! He retired out of frustration! Send CB Fabian Washington and DT Terdell Sands to Atlanta for CB Deangelo Hall. We can't allow people whom we payed good money to just sit on the bench and play sparingly. Offer his services to a team that can use them! ATLANTA!!! Atlanta definetly needs a Run Stopper and another quality corner if Deangelo is leaving. Pleae bring CB Deangelo Hall to the Raiders before the Chiefs or the Broncos pull the trigger for him.

#11

Posted by Raiderkev25, March 3, 2008 11:33 AM

As a true Raider fan, this year is not the year for us, but the following year will be. We must chill on signing ok players just to say we signed someone. Gibril Wilson was a good start. Snatch up Deangelo Hall and our future will look very bright! Hall and Aso could be a great tandem for years! It would be like having a younger woodson back next to a more experienced Aso. What are we waiting for? Hall even said he wouldn't mind playing out his rookie contract inorder to make a trade possible, why not do this trade? The Raiders better get back to Raider type players that were savages and intimidators! not these small, fast track guys with no heart! We need savage football players in Oakland! On both sides!!!

#12

Posted by Patrick Patterson, March 3, 2008 1:07 PM

FaSho,

I have no problem with you linking to other Raider blogs. I hadn't heard of that one, and now I am going to give it a read. Also thanks for the inside info on Morrison. I am thinking my next jersey is going to be a #52, as he is a great one.

All-

The anti-spam software automatically puts comments in moderation that have multiple links (or links to certain domains, I think). If you post a comment and it doesn't appear as it would normally, shoot me an email so I can check the moderation queue.

Wow, I have seen FaSho and Dizzle agree on something.

Thanks for sharing your opinions, all.

#13

Posted by LDizzle, March 3, 2008 2:57 PM

J Little now it is official: Pace is off the market. Although he went to the Jets instead of the Dolphins. Jets offered him a monster deal he couldn't refuse. But the other guys are still out there to be had.

In other News: Panther WR Drew Carter visited the Raiders today. I don't think this would be a good signing personally. We already have a posession receiver so unless he comes REALLY cheap we should look to the draft or in-house.

#14

Posted by The RaiderCast » Blog Archive » Thoughts from the Dark Side: Oakland Raider position ana, March 3, 2008 6:16 PM

[...] Read more. [...]

#15

Posted by OakFoSho, March 3, 2008 11:43 PM

Hey Patrick,

A lot of people on other sights are talking about Vernon Gholston. The logic being that he could fill two needs, either SLB, or DE. Its an intriguing argument, though I think overvalued at #4. I think that for this to happen, the Raiders would have to trade down. What do you think? Your Take LDizzle?

OakFoSho

#16

Posted by Raiderkev25, March 3, 2008 11:45 PM

Watch the Raiders do something dumb like sign a vet like WR Eddie Kennison. It's gonna be Alvis Whitted all over again.

#17

Posted by Raiderkev25, March 3, 2008 11:58 PM

Raiders would be stupid to take Gholston at the #4 pick. With our cap situation I truly believe we need to pursue a trade with Dallas for their 2 first round picks. I think we can also get a 3rd rounder along with the first round picks for 4th overall pick. Dallas is pretty much set for a superbowl run and if they can acquire RB Darren Mcfadden to compliment ole ironhead. It's gonna be ugly for teams in the NFC for years to come. Jerry Jones has his Michael Irvin, his Jay Novachek, his Troy Aikman, His "Moose" Johnston, but he doesn't have his Emmit Smith! The new Emmit Smith will be RB Darren Mcfadden!!! Dallas will be great again if this trade happens.

#18

Posted by Raiderkev25, March 4, 2008 12:03 AM

If we trade with Dallas for the 2 first round picks I believe the Raiders will trade back up in the draft to select LT Ryan Clady out of Boise State. With the other first rounder we could go either WR Limas Sweed or Desean Jackson, and DE Calais Campbell.

#19

Posted by Raiderkev25, March 4, 2008 12:12 AM

Everyone seems to think that there's nothing wrong with our cornerback situation, but u all better look closer at the situation. I wanna see how many people say that if Aso doesn't sign a long term deal this year. We are gonna be stuck with Routt and Fabian washington and whoever this dude we drafted for Moss! What kind of money u think Routt and Fabian will ask for when there contract is up being high draft selections themselves? Someone or both will be leaving cuz they won't see any real money from us. We better go after Hall cuz he would provide us with security at the corner spot just in case. We could build our defensive front through the draft.

#20

Posted by OregonRaider, March 4, 2008 11:13 AM

Gholston would not be stupid. This guy has the potential to be rookie of the year. Many comparisons to sean merriman. He would be a staple to our defense for years to come pearing with Morrison and T. Howard.

#21

Posted by OregonRaider, March 4, 2008 11:15 AM

Offense is for show, Deffense is for dough$$$.