Breaking News: Oakland Raiders Acquire Center
March 23, 2009
Doesn't he just look like a Raider?
In another move to shore up the offensive line, the Oakland Raiders traded an undisclosed draft pick to the Dolphins for C Samson Satele.
Samson Satele started 53 games during his collegiate career at Hawaii. He mainly played at center, but also saw time at both guard positions. He earned all-WAC honors every year and all-WAC First Team in '05 and '06. The Dolphins drafted him in the second round of the '07 draft.
Miami obviously thought Jake Grove was a better center for their system, but I think he is an upgrade at center for the Raiders. Jake Grove's injury report is thick as a phone book.
Samson Satele has proved to be very durable with 53 starts in college and 32 starts since becoming a pro. He also started all eight preseason games for the Dolphins, Satele brings stability to the position.
The Hawaiian born center stands 6'3", 300 lbs. He brings versatility to the Raiders' O-line as he has experience at G and C. He was projected to move to G if he stayed with the Dolphins, but he will be our starting C going into the season.
The move also opens the door for the Raiders to go D-line or LB in the second round instead of targeting a C like Alex Mack or Max Unger.
I like how the Raiders keep adding to the trenches. Satele is only 24-years-old with 32 career starts. We most likely acquired him for a pick on the second day of the draft which would be fourth, sixth, or seventh. I'm thinking sixth or seventh or maybe a late round pick from the '10 draft. Who knows? We'll all find out soon enough.
Now it's time to focus on the D-line in the NFL Draft.
RAIDERS4LIFE ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !