Oakland Raider Position Analysis: Defensive Back

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March 4, 2008

Oakland Raider Position Analysis: Defensive Back

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The Oakland Raiders have already addressed their safety position adding Gibril Wilson from the G-Men to pair with Michael Huff. The Raiders franchised Nnamdi Asomugha and are returning (as of now) Fabian Washington and Stanford Routt at corner. They also retained the jack of all trades Chris Carr, and should bring back Jarrod Cooper for depth and his special teams play. The much maligned Stuart Schweigert looks to have a greatly reduced role on the team. Gibril Wilson is a solid tackler who can lay the wood. That is something that the Oakland Raiders have not had at safety since Rod Woodson retired, and before that, well its been a while. The Raiders will likely use him as a strong safety, which is where he started in New York. He can play closer to the line and be an enforcer, while Huff can roam. Michael Huff will likely move over to the free safety spot to take advantage of his ball hawking skills, and mask the fact that he is not an enforcer. Huff has been solid in coverage, often taking away Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez as threats. He should be better where his main job is coverage. Nnamdi Asomugha is one of if not the best cover corner in the league. He received the franchise tag, but should receive a long term deal from the Raiders. Look for that deal to be done between the draft and the opening of camp, as it will take his one year cap cost down from its current $10million. Look for him to get a seven year deal with around a $30-5 mill signing bonus. He deserves to get paid. Fabian Washington looked like he took a step back last year. He had been developing well, but was surpassed by Stanford Routt. He was recently arrested with domestic abuse allegations, so his stock may be falling further. If he remains a Raider, this will be his make or break year. Stanford Routt's career will be intertwined with Washington's for as long as they are both Raiders. They were selected in the first and second round of the same draft. The second half of last season, Routt was the better of the two. They should have an intense competition for who will start opposite Nnamdi. I am calling it here, the rumors of Stuart Schweigert's departure are greatly exaggerated. Stu will not be starting next season, but he can provide quality depth at an affordable price. He is not the greatest safety in the world, but he can play special teams and in a pinch can fill in and only makes $545k. Chris Carr can play either corner or safety in a pinch. He is not a guy you want starting there, but he is a solid depth guy. He is also a talented returner and that will likley be what keeps him with the team. He is a restricted free agent and the Raiders can match any offers he is given or get draft pick compensation. Jarrod Cooper is a special teams standout who can play safety in a pinch. As a safety he can lay the wood and be an enforcer. His coverage skills are not the best, but he can play well in the box. His greatest asset is what he brings to special teams. He is an unrestricted free agent who has already said he wants to return to the Raiders. John Bowie is best known as the guy the Raiders drafted with the pick they used to excise a cry baby cancer wide receiver who disgraced the silver and black. He is fast, but didn't see any regular season playing time last year. He will have to compete for a job.

Tags: Antonio Gates, Chris Carr, Fabian Washington, Gibril Wilson, Jarrod Cooper, John Bowie, Michael Hugg, NFL, Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders, Raiders, Rod Woodson, Stanford Routt, Stewart Schweigert, Tony Gonzalez

Discussion

27 Comments on "Oakland Raider Position Analysis: Defensive Back"

Posted by Position Analysis: Defensive backs - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Board - Where the Raider Nation, March 4, 2008 1:53 AM

[...] Analysis: Defensive backs 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 4, 2008 2:14 AM

The Defensive backfield is obviously the strongest part of the Raiders team as a whole. There is no doubt in my mind that Nnamdi is 'The Truth', as opposing teams threw at him some 22 times last season. Thats an average of just over 1 toss a game. Its no wonder he had no INTs, no balls came his way.

Gibril and Huff should be awesome, and the rumors of Huff being traded is ESPN hogwash. Finally, Huff will be allowed to play to his strengths, while Gibril takes the weakest link and immediately turns it into one of the biggest Raider strengths. The addition of Gibril essentially makes both safety possitions much better.

I believe that Fabian and Routt both have the skills and ability to become #1 corners in the NFL. Remember how long it took Nnamdi? Also last season was the first time they were truly thrown directly to the fire on a full time basis. If Fabian is jettisoned in a trade, the Raiders need to get value, the kind of value great corners are given in the NFL. He is no Champ, yet, but he is still a legit #2 with a ceiling of a #1 as he continues to develop. I am talking a 1st rounder and a 4th rounder at the least for Fabian.

If this does happen, then its time to start the accelerated development of Bowie in the Nickel and Dime sets. He was a killer sprinter at Cincinnati, and he was decent in Man coverage, so we will see.

As is, this unit should compete for #1 in the league next season. I really think that the addition of Darius will help bolster the run defense, thus forcing more passes from the opposing offenses, and that is something that we want. The more our opponents throw, the more the ball will end up inn the hands of our exceptional secondary, not to mention Kirk and Thomas underneath.

Big Hits, INTs Galore, and hopefully some TDs sprinkled in on run backs (Howard is close to the all time lead in INT return yards for LBs, and thats just after a couple seasons). No more additions needed here at all in the secondary, and hopefully no subtractions.

OakFoSho

Posted by Steve, March 4, 2008 2:21 AM

I still think you way overpaid for Gabril Wilson {39 million} The Giants just pick up Sammy Knight from the Jags for 5 million. The Raiders are making the same mistake with their cap money again by overpaying FA. Remember the Giants had the best pass rush in the NFL and Wilson didn't need to cover too long

Posted by OakFoSho, March 4, 2008 2:55 AM

Steve,

Darius is just fine in coverage, and even better against the run. He is in Oakland to play SS, capitalizing on that run stopping/tackling ability. New York actually played him at FS last season, utilizing his good coverage skills as well as his exceptional tackling ability. Even so, he has played a successful season at SS before and the Raiders are bound to use him mostly in that role.

OakFoSho

Posted by Patrick Patterson, March 4, 2008 3:01 AM

FoSho,

What Darius are you talking about?

Donovin Darius was done last year, thats why he didn't make it out of camp with the Raiders and couldn't finish out the season on the 'Fins defense....

If Darius is a nicname for Wilson, I have never heard it.

Posted by Steve, March 4, 2008 3:49 AM

Oak it may be a fine fit for the Raiders but I just though the price was way too high. Good luck though!!!

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

My bad Patrick, yes I meant Gibril. As you can see by the times of my posts, its late, and I can't sleep, so again, apologies for the brain fart. I mean Darius? I don't know where that came from.

OakFoSho

Posted by The RaiderCast » Blog Archive » Thoughts from the Dark Side: Oakland Raider Position Ana, March 4, 2008 5:33 AM

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

Posted by Rolni, March 4, 2008 6:20 AM

This is the strongest part of our team for sure.I think Aso Huff Gibril will be great next year...i hope Rout will be a solid #2 corner...i would hold Fabian as the #3 or if the coaching staff believes in Bowie we could trade him...if we could get a 2nd and a 5th rounder for him it would be great...i don't think that we can get more for him...then for Jordan or Rhodes plus this 5th rounder and our 6th we could get a 3rd in which we should draft Jordy Nelson WR or Mike Pollack C...ok i'm stop dreaming now...

#10

Posted by Joe Raider, March 4, 2008 6:48 AM

Steve, in principle you may be right about Oakland paying too much for Wilson. But, he is a big time play maker who will make a difference in the secondary. As for his salary and cap issues that may arise, what is the alternative?. Unfortunately paying huge money if they want to land serious players is the only choice the Raiders have these days.The facts are the facts:they are a 4-12 and have lost 61 games since 2002. They have controversy at the very least concerning their head coach right now unfounded or reality.I wish it were not so, but the perception is that Oakland is considered the worst place to play in the league due to upper management issues.The Raiders are far from the dream destination for players that they once were. So the only way to get good/great FA'a to come to Oakland is to "show them the money". Thats really the only incentive the team has to offer these days. So, yeah, we probably are going to pay more for certain players than maybe the Colts or Cowboys would have to in order to convince them to play for Oakland.But,again, what is the alternative when you need this much help rebuilding? There isn't one.Plain and simple. It is just a fact of life for the Raiders that we will have to shell out big bucks to get decent players.

#11

Posted by Anthony, March 4, 2008 7:34 AM

I agree with the assessments that, outside of the generic run game (generic because it's largely RB-independent), the back four is the Raiders' best position of strength.

It doesn't matter. Yet.

It doesn't matter because no matter how good the back four is, and no matter how great 2/3 of the middle is, without production -- consistent production -- from the front four, the back four means jack. Nnamdi can generally take care of himself, but if the opposing QB has five seconds to throw, someone will be open somewhere, and the chains will be moved. Without much better run defense, starting with the front four, then the secondary is going to have to make too many tackles.

As good as the back four currently is, and I think that the acquisition of Wilson have the potential to elevate the group from "an elite #1 CB and three other guys" to "a great back four," ultimately, until the DL issues are resolved, it doesn't matter.

#12

Posted by john mosley, March 4, 2008 7:41 AM

steve i dont we paid too much to get a top tier safety with a ring,hopefully that ring will bring some continuaty to this team and young guys like routt and washington will work a little harder and try a little harder to get one of their own,and dont forget the rumblings from upshaw about the owners opting out of the labor agreement after the 2009 season and the possibility of the 2010 season being uncapped,this could be one reason your seeing all these longterm big money deals with so much guarenteed money in the first three or four years,this is all speculation on my part but theres got to be a reason these owners are giving the deals they are giving now and one of those reasons is they dont care about about salary cap jail in three years if in two years(2010) it is an uncapped year,there are other reasons that the owners would opt out of the current labor agreement,such as no rookie minimum on top ten draft picks,no league minimum for vets,and no more gene upshaw,but the the big reason would no salary cap worries on backloaded contracts,like i said these are just speculations but you never know with nfl owners.

#13

Posted by josh, March 4, 2008 8:37 AM

I have the perfect idea to improve the play at the No. 2 Corner spot. Have Nnamdi switch jerseys with Stanford/Fabian... They won't throw at no 21, but they might throw at "not him" (Zoolander reference)

#14

Posted by Mad Road Dog, March 4, 2008 9:44 AM

I will feel a lot better about the amount of money that the Raiders spent on G. Wilson when we finally draft a DT and one more LB, an MLB that can hit like a ton of bricks.

#15

Posted by LARaider70, March 4, 2008 10:23 AM

I agree with everyone on that if the front four don't enforce their will on the opposing offensive teams then the back four and the middle three will continue to be above average at best since they will have to carry the responcibilities of stopping the run. If our back 7 can focus on pass defence and the LB's on fillings gaps, blitzing & intercepting we could actually win more than 4 games in any given yr.

I think our biggest holes on our team are as follows in the order of importance:

LT, we already have a front four on DL(Burgess,Kelly,Sands,Richardson) whether we like it or not! Who are our front four on the OL side? Are you willing to bank on Mario Henderson? Apparently Al is by letting Simms go, not a huge Sims fan but the guy was serviceable. We did not pick up a FA LT. The only way this is not our biggest area of need is if Mr. Cable says"Al, don't worry I got the LT position taken care of.", otherwise its LT all day!

NT, we need a two gap NT since I don't like gambling on Sands but like someone else mentioned Ellis or Dorsey may not fill this need. Despite having said that I would have a hard time passing on Dorsey if he is still on the board.

WR, unfotunately rookie WO's don't typically change the course of a game or should i say contribute too much thier first yr(s). With a single Vet FA pick up we can do enough to get through this yr. Again think ahead think rebuilding and yes always think wining!

LB/DE, its a toss up when you think abou it. DE is the more likely critical piece since getting preassure on the QB results for bigger plays on defense(Int, sacks, fumbles,etc.).

Sure we can always stand to gain by upgrading any position across the board but we can only do so much this year. At the end of this 08 season we would be able to determine what worked vs what did not and maske the appropriate corrections for the next yr.

#16

Posted by LDizzle, March 4, 2008 10:25 AM

Damn Oakfosho for a minute there I was like "The Raiders brought back Donavin Darius? When did this happen and how did I not hear about it?" You must have copied and pasted what you said about Darius when the Raiders brought him in last year and you thought he was going to make a huge impact. In fact I would call you a "True Believer" (True Colors reference) in all players the Raiders sign. Your thought that the Raiders can get a 1st and 4th rounder for Fabs is laughable. So basically you think that after Fabs has been a disappointment thus far for the Raiders that we can actually get MORE than what he was worth when we drafted him? Haha! That's funny stuff. Even the best players usually garner no higher than a 2nd round pick and perhaps a low round pick thrown in. That said I certainly think that Fabian still has time to improve. Nnamdi is a perfect example of gradual improvement.

Oh yeah the article; Of course I agree with our secondary being solid and deep. I think the key to our depth is Jarrod Cooper. He is a high motor guy who can hold his own in spot duty. And of course I am more than comfortable with Stu backing up FS especially at his salary. And these idiots saying we overpaid for Gibril have no clue what they are talking about. EVERY player gets "overpaid" for in FA. That is what happens when you are competing with 32 teams to sign a small few elite players. You have to ensure that your bid doesn't get beat out. And as someone pointed out, a team in disarray and with a streak of losing records like the Raiders need to especially pony up the dough. Personally I don't see what is so astronomical about his salary anyway. Especially when you look at Tommy "Who?" Kelly's contract.

In other news; The Raiders officially put Warren Sapp on the Retired list opening up $4.32 million is cap space. (too bad all the good players are gone)

#17

Posted by whatdahell, March 4, 2008 11:00 AM

Unfortunately the raiders are so bad that they have to overpay FA's in order to get them. Why else would someone want to play for the Raiders. Don't get me wrong I am I Die Hard Fan but the Raiders don't play in the best Stadium, don't have the best facilities, and as much as I love Al, I think he may have finally lost it.

As for the secondary it is one of the best in the league in terms of talent, but a secondary is only as good as the front four. With out a decent pass rush no matter how good the secondary is it will get shredded. In 2006 the front four were monsters at getting pressure on the QB hence the great pass defense, last year the D-line couldn't buy tickets to the back field. Hell the Raiders could have C. Woodson, L. Hayes, G. Atkinson, and J. Tatum in there prime roaming the secondary and if there's no pressure on the QB they'ed get torched.

It'll be the same way this year if Kelly, Sands, Richardson, and Burgess don't step there game up!

#18

Posted by Silver_N_Black, March 4, 2008 11:01 AM

Why does everyone keep forgetting we have Warren at DT as well. It is he, not Sands, that will start most likely as he played much better last year and he's getting paid alot of $.

We paid what we had to land the player we wanted. Simple as that and if he makes our secondary as strong as I think he will, it'll be worth it.

The only postions that really need to be filled still our WR & OT. Sure we could use another DL or two but we NEED those other two positions more.

BTW, LDizzle there are still good players to be had in FA.

#19

Posted by Patrick Patterson, March 4, 2008 1:03 PM

I addressed the need for a Nose Tackle, which I think right now is the key to a defensive resurgence in an earlier post:

http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/2008/03/02/oakland-raider-position-analysis-defensive-line/

Warren is a UT which is where they are planning on playing Kelly. The Raiders need the wide body NT.

#20

Posted by Rick Wascher, March 4, 2008 1:09 PM

A first and a 4th for Washington. I want what ever you are smoking. We only spent a first on him and now we are trying to un-load him. A 2'nd and a second day pick would be fine. Teams can draft a better corner in the first round.

#21

Posted by OakFoSho, March 4, 2008 3:34 PM

LDizzle,

Let me make this clear, I do not wan't to get rid of Fabian, but if Al for some reason does, then its only reasonable to get a late 1st rounder plus an early second day pick. I mean, Fabian was a late 1st rounder himself, and he has exceeded expectations so far, as many people believed that they (Fabian and Routt) were just burners. Maybe I am a little too hyped on Fabian, but he can be a #1 in this league.

I believe another year in the fire that is the CB position for the Raiders is all he needs. Keep in mind that playing CB for the Raiders is probably the toughest place to play CB in the league. It is the definition of an island, where you rarely get a chance to play zone and receive help. This fact should make Fabian even more valuable. If he can do it all by himself in Oakland, then he should be better provided the help of an occasional zone.

Again, I want to keep Fabian, cause I believe in his ability to continue improve.

OakFoSho

#22

Posted by josh, March 4, 2008 5:07 PM

Good point Oak. Imagine how good our CB's would be if we had a pass rush, or threw more than one look at opposing offenses!

#23

Posted by Defense line help pleeeeez - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Board - Where the Raider Nation lives!, March 4, 2008 5:30 PM

[...] important position for the Raiders to upgrade? almost 5 to 1 DT over OT. 2nd is WR. Interesting Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - Most Valuable Network � Blog Archive � Oakland Raider Position A... __________________ . [...]

#24

Posted by J. Rasmussen, March 4, 2008 6:58 PM

profootballtalk reports we have signed Kwame Harris and we will sign Javon Walker tomorrow.

#25

Posted by we luv ya AL, March 4, 2008 9:08 PM

Al Davis,

As a die hard raider fan i em ecsatic this 2008 FA with getting the best open field tackler in the league that will bring a superbowl winning attitude(remember fans rebuilding a dynasty,

2007 Stud QB,coaches,philosiphies ahh zone blocking,never quite atiitudes ahh Fargas and Cooper,Elite TE, oooh and not to forget rhodes S.B. ring) sooo now that were back to 2008 we got ya donkeys. WE ALL KNOW ITS ALL ABOUT PAYBACK AND WITH JAVON WE JUST STOLED ANOTHER PAGE OUT OF YOUR BOOK MICKEY!!mouse!!!! we got the best receiver in FA and best safety, sorry stewy u stunk it up all bark no bite. AS FOR THE DRAFT JAKE LONG will fill Simms departureand fit perfectly with cables and Michigans zone blocking. He will not be the next Gallery from the big 10. oh and if u were wondering whos the mouse that Al and comp. will be pouncin on that chump mike shannahan

#26

Posted by Alameda Joe, March 5, 2008 1:16 AM

Washington is 5'8" maybe, that is why Routt took his job. If you remember the offensive teams were putting their tallest w/r against him and he would get out jumped on most plays. The Raiders finally got smart and had Washington cover the slot receiver and usually it was a much smaller receiver. Routt is there to stay but don't forget Huff could be a better corner then Routt if he gets an opportunity. He is tall, fast and can cover. If the defensive line doesn't get fixed it won't mean jack without a rush. But worst yet, We jsut signed the Whiner Kawme Harris to start at left tackle. The guy was a super suck job with the whiners and we sign him to start. You can't tell the difference between him and Sims, but we want to spend a load of money on a lousy player like Harris. I don't get it. Kiffin must be laughing his ass off watching Al select the retreads for the roster and giving them the bank. . Kiffin probably can't wait to get out of town and head back to USC. Oh, they just signed Javon Walker, another great retread, if he can keep out of trouble. We have the best starting w/r in the NFL...not really.. Curry,Walker, and Higgins. does that scare you? Curry no longer can hold onto the football, Walker can't stay clean, and Higgins has no hands. Maybe McCoy will be the sleeper. We are hurting. Maybe a four win season for a couple of years is the best we can do. Al has taken over the free agent signing just look at our recent free agent signing. The NFL is laughing their ass off at our team and the money we are playing for adequate players at best. What has happen to our franchise? it is in disaray. I'm sorry but we may be in for a long season, and we play the Patriots in Oakland, watch Moss that day....This could be a real ugly season....

#27

Posted by Manuel, March 5, 2008 5:37 PM

Raider fans tell me if this will make us a contender for years to come, draft Darren Mcfadden if he is available and let him compete with Vargas, Bush and Rhodes and if Bush steps up and leads the pack trade Darren and rhodes for top wide receiver like Chad Johnson a top Defensive Lineman and top OL and 2009 1st round pick. Do you think this would be possibility?