Raiders release Spieker and sign defensive lineman

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May 13, 2008

Raiders release Spieker and sign defensive lineman

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The Oakland Raiders released Adam Spieker following the three day rookie mini camp over the weekend. Spieker was the offensive center from Missouri that the Raiders had signed soon after the 2008 NFL draft had ended two weeks ago. No details of his release could be found at this time.

The mini camp wasn't a complete bust for the silver and black. The Raiders signed DE/DT Tranell Morant from Arizona State. Morant, the cousin to Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat, was originally a Florida Gator who played in all 11 regular season contests in 2004. He then transferred to Arizona State and set out the 2005 season on the defensive scout team.

He's a mountain of a man listed at 6'6" 280 lbs and he runs the 40 yard dash from 4.74 to 4.89 seconds. The Raiders site has him listed as a defensive tackle even though he was a defensive end in college. Judging by his size, if he gained some weight, he may be another Terdell Sands. Coming out of high school, he was rated as the 23rd best defensive end and considering 240 start at the Div I level, that's not bad.

If we get more, we'll post it.

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

9 Comments on "Raiders release Spieker and sign defensive lineman"

Posted by Patrick Patterson, May 13, 2008 1:11 PM

Looks like Al is aiming for some depth along the d line.

Posted by knowhuddle.com » Raiders release Spieker, May 13, 2008 1:47 PM

[...] Source [...]

Posted by OGKUSH, May 13, 2008 2:55 PM

maybe the man will be a tremendous steal ... and hopefully not a huge bust like terdell sands.. i mean, he's not quite a bust yet... but the man couldnt tackle my grandma last year.

Posted by inonewordraider, May 13, 2008 3:15 PM

Lot of comp at DE w/ spires, edwards, scott, gunheim, possibly Morant and the guy from Texas Southern... Always a good thing

Posted by Patrick Patterson, May 13, 2008 6:13 PM

The more competition, the better the winners will be.

Posted by Spencer Mills, May 13, 2008 9:19 PM

In Tranell Morant, the Raiders have a undrafted player in the same versatile mold of Tommy Kelly. I do not envision him playing the NT role if he makes the team. Instead, it is most likely that he will be used in the same way Kelly was used early in his career, as a backup run stopping DE on run downs, and backup pass rushing DT on passing downs.

If he makes the team......

Best case scenario he eventually works out like Tommy Kelly...

Worst case scenario he is a Tyler Brayton, but at least a draft pick was not wasted....

OakFoSho

Posted by Raider Till Death!, May 13, 2008 9:27 PM

Finally, a DT! I was craving for one with some talent (Joseph cant be trusted just yet) for all this offseason! Lets just hope for the best!

Posted by Raider Blues, May 14, 2008 11:02 AM

Nice depth addition if for competition only??? Rather athletic guy who might catch on.

Posted by q. grant, May 15, 2008 9:49 PM

The More the better