The Oakland Raiders' 2008 Roster Review

Jason Belzer

Scribe Written on August 07, 2008

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Secondary

Projected Starters: Nnamdi Asomugha, DeAngelo Hall, Michael Huff, Gibril Wilson

Depth: Stanford Routt, Chris Johnson, Hiram Eugene, Jarrod Cooper, John Bowie, Tyvon Branch

Argue all you want about Champ Bailey and Dre Bly, the best in the west are Hall and Asomugha. In Rob Ryan’s bump-and-run style, these two guys should be fine on their respective islands.

Their coverage ability should give Ryan flexibility to dial up blitzes from the linebackers and safeties, and the extra time it takes to get open against these two will only help the defensive line get after things. Last year’s starter, Routt should be a capable nickelback. There’s not a lot going on behind this group, so depth is something to keep an eye on.

The other new guy in the backfield brings his Super Bowl ring back home to the West Coast. Gibril Wilson returns to the Bay Area to shore up the strong-safety position.

His run stopping and hitting bring a dimension to the team that Stu Schweigert just didn’t offer. And as a gift that keeps on giving, his arrival frees Michael Huff up to man his natural spot at free safety.

This camp, he’s already shown glimpses of the ball-hawking skills that made him a high first-round pick three years ago. If he can provide support to his corners and increase his interception totals (almost a sure bet), he may finally add the value the Raiders originally envisioned.

While passing the Chargers in the AFC West is an unlikely dream, the Broncos and Chiefs are vulnerable this season. While there are questions all around this roster (and who outside of New England doesn’t have questions?), the pieces are in place for a rebounding year.

But like a good meal, it takes more than good ingredients. It takes time. Just how quickly this group can gel and have an impact will be a reflection on the coaching staff and relative maturity of the players.

Next Up: A week-by-week look at the upcoming season.

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written on August 07, 2008 Preview/Prediction

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