Why Veteran Leadership Is a Must for the Raiders

Upon further review, the Oakland Raiders still have no veteran leadership.

Nnamdi Asomugha has become more outspoken every year, but the key still has not turned in the ignition for the Oakland Raiders defense.

They signed Gibril Wilson (just now signed with the Dolphins) to a six-year, $39 million deal with $16 million in guarantees last off-season thinking they struck gold.

Coming from a Superbowl champion, which had tons of veteran presence and leadership qualities, Wilson was not only expected to play well but give the Raider defense that extra push.

Wilson played decent, but was exposed in pass protection at times. Most noticeably against the Broncos on Monday Night Football and on the road against the Saints and Ravens.

He had 129 tackles, four passes defensed, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks for the Raiders in 2008.

Was that what warranted a release? Well, Wilson spoke up during the season calling Oakland a "Soap Opera", and also was one to call out Al Davis' method of plugging in a couple players every year via free agency and expecting a turnaround quickly not the right way to go.

You can see why he's gone now. Call out the man's decisions, disrespect his ways, you'll be out of Oakland.

Tom Cable has been trying to eliminate team distractions such as DeAngelo Hall, and now Gibril Wilson going with somewhat of a youth movement and friendly atmosphere.

The Raiders struck out last year in free agency, and are looking for a big bat that might make the impact they had hoped from Wilson last year.

Which brings me to say that the Raiders could be making a run at a couple of free agents.

Brain Dawkins could be the one to start havoc on defense for the Raiders. He loves Philli, has almost one the big one there, but has yet to raise that trophy.

Do the Raiders have better chances of bringing him a Superbowl title?

No, but they could make an offer irresistible with what they have. If he were to sit down with Al Davis and start getting pumped up about the old Raider ways and how he could be apart of that again, you never know.

If the Raiders were to make a run at Dawkins and be able to sign him, that would probably mean a battle at strong safety between Michael Huff and second year player Tyvon Branch.

However, Al and company might already have plans for not only the free safety but strong safety position, knowing that Michael Huff will probably be back (his salary this year is manageable) and big hopes for former fourth-round pick Tyvon Branch, so signing Dawkins may be completely out of the picture.

Another player the Raiders could use as a veteran presence would Mike Peterson.

No one is going to pay big bucks for him, knowing he had clashed wit Del Rio and the Jacksonville staff last year.

He has been injury prone, but it would at least create competition on defense. Having a guy like Peterson or Dawkins would instantly create better vibes and bring back that veteran presence the Raiders haven't had since Warren Sapp left.

Not saying it's likely that either one will be signed, especially since the Raiders have dug their own grave in regards to the salary cap.

Raiders won't make a huge splash again this year, because they can't. However, you can bet there are a few players that they will make a run at.

Just imagine Raider fans...Brian Dawkins and/or Mike Peterson wearing Silver & Black, pumping up that defense, making huge tackles and plays that could get the whole unit gelling.

Unlikely maybe for Dawkins, but Peterson is fair game.