The Oakland Raiders' Front Four: Getting Nasty in the Trenches

I'll start by saying Tommy Kelly is a beast! He's 6'6" and tips the scales at 300 lbs.

If you've read any of my articles on the Raiders defense, you'd know I'm not too crazy about this guy. After reading some of the comments and conversing back and forth with some of the readers, I'm starting to see the light. Well, a little.

In his five-year career so far, Kelly has 218 tackles with 162 solo to go with 17.5 sacks. In 2008 Kelly had 4.5 sacks, matching his career best from 2005.

Kelly is often double-teamed, so that limits what he'll be able to accomplish when it comes to stats. It will be up to Gerard Warren, Terdell Sands, and William Joseph to take advantage of the space that Kelly eats up with his massive frame.

A recent addition from the Cowboys, Greg Ellis gives the Raiders' defensive end spot that much more depth.

Ellis is an 11-year veteran that will not only make an impact on the field, but also contribute to the teaching of the Raiders' young defensive ends.

During his time with Dallas, Ellis put up some impressive numbers. He left the Cowboys with 77 sacks, 35 passes defended, and four interceptions.

His 2008 campaign with the Dallas Cowboys ended with 36 tackles, eight sacks, and one interception.

Even though I"m projecting Gerard Warren starting opposite Tommy Kelly, he will split a lot of time with Terdell Sands and William Joseph.

It will depend on who's hot at that point of the season and injuries to determine who'll get the most playing time.

Warren will be entering his ninth year as a pro and his third season with the Raiders.

Over his career Warren has accumulated 260 tackles, 30 sacks, and one safety.

He's gathered 61 of his tackles and eight of his sacks since joining the Raiders in 2007.

Trevor Scott had a impressive rookie campaign in 2008. Maybe impressive enough to have won a starting position? Possibly.

The 2008 sixth round pick out of Buffalo showed he had heart, skill, and a motor to get to the quarterback.

Derrick Burgess has been rumored to be on his way out this offseason—a move that doesn't seem likely to happen, even with the arrival of Greg Ellis. If Burgess is still a Raider when the season starts, he will see plenty of action, but more on passing downs.

That's why I believe Scott will have the edge in getting the start at DE. He can be good on all downs. He's shown he can get to the ball carrier as well as the quarterback.

Scott ended the 2008 season with 24 tackles and five sacks.

Since football only has four guys on the line (sometimes fewer), I had to give Derrick Burgess the "Fifth Man Award."

When the season begins, Burgess will more than likely still be a Raider. I don't think Al Davis will be able to get what he wants in return, and for that reason should make him play out the final year of his contract.

Players in contract years usually produce good numbers. If Burgess can stay healthy, look for more of the same that we saw from him his first two seasons in Oakland.

Burgess has racked up 70 tackles and 38.5 sacks since joining the Raiders in 2005.

Just wanted to give a spot to some of the guys that didn't make the list—but just because they didn't make the list doesn't mean that they won't make an impact this season.

Look for Jay Richardson to compete for a starting spot at DE, and for guys like Sulak, Gunheim, and Shaughnessy to make contributions coming off the bench.