Hopefully, Javon Walker has recovered from the robbery attempt that resulted in a fractured orbital bone and broken jaw, otherwise some changes might have to be made.
Other receivers might find an opportunity to earn a roster spot. This will be one of the best training-camp battles to watch.
Defensive End
As it stands right now, Derrick Burgess and Jay Richardson appear to be the starters. As far as Derrick Burgess goes, he is entrenched as the starter at left end. The battle will be the competition for the spot at right end.
Jay Richardson’s name is penciled in as the starter, but that could change. The Raiders brought in veterans Kalimba Edwards and Greg Spires.
Richardson did a good job as a base end against the run, but he didn’t get after the passer with any frequency. He has been working hard at improving on that area this offseason.
The Raiders are the fourth team for Greg Spires, who was drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 1998 draft. He plays smart and understands blocking angles. He does a very good job of not letting blockers get into his body.
He has a variety of pass-rush moves and does a good job of setting up blockers. His instincts, intelligence, and aggressiveness make him a good fit for the Raiders.
He started on the left side for the Bucs from 2002-2007. He has played on top tier defenses from 2002-2005.
The 10-year veteran has chalked up 39.5 career sacks and has forced 11 fumbles.
Kalimba Edwards is a seventh-year player that has shown promise but has yet to put it all together. He will function as a situational or third-down pass rusher until he proves himself otherwise.
He is what you would call a low risk but potentially high-reward guy to add to the DE rotation. The Raiders are very high on Trevor Scott, a 2008 sixth-round pick. He has the edge speed the Raiders have been looking for.
Strong-Side Linebacker
As it stands right now, Robert Thomas is the starter and has beaten out Sam Williams the last couple of years. Sam Williams has been solid on special teams but has never developed into the playmaker the team expected.
He is a gifted athlete with an excellent combination of size and speed, but he has yet to develop as a football player.
Thomas has been adequate at the position and has played well in goal-line situations, but it is time for a change.
The intrigue here depends on if MLB Ed Hartwell has recovered from the injuries that have slowed him since he left Baltimore. If Hartwell is healthy, and can man the MLB spot, that would shift Kirk Morrison to be a bigger playmaker on the strong side.
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