Yes, Lorenzo Neal Was Cut, but Here's Why Raider Fans Shouldn't Be Bummed

Fellow Raider fans, are you angry, confused, or disappointed the Oakland Raiders just released four-time Pro Bowler and veteran FB Lorenzo Neal?

Well, don't be; the Raiders will be fine without him. Actually, the Raiders are still stacked at FB.

They may even be better off without him.

Here, if you don't believe me, let's take a look at all the players competing to play FB for the Oakland Raiders.

Oren O'Neal

So what...did you guys forget about this guy or something? His solid recovery is the reason why Neal was cut. At 5'11", 245, this guy has been described as a "bowling ball" treating opposing linebackers like his own personal bowling pins.

He paved the way for a sixth-ranked rushing offense and Justin Fargas to rush for over 1,000 yards.

He is basically a younger version of Lorenzo Neal, like Lorenzo Neal in his prime or Lorenzo Neal 2.0. The updated version is always better.

Marcel Reece

He spent last year on the Raiders' practice squad developing his skills as a FB. In college he was very versatile, playing both HB and WR, and he could be a dangerous threat out of the backfield.

At 6'3", 240, if his blocking skills have developed up to par of an NFL FB, then he can be a valuable weapon in the Raiders' backfield. This may be the case, as he looked pretty good leading the way for Oakland RBs late in the game against Dallas; granted, it was against third teamers.

Check out his NFL Pro Day video.

Luke Lawton

Another WR turned FB. Last year he filled in at FB when O'Neal and Justin Griffith went down and did a decent job.

He has average blocking skills and great hands for a FB. At 6'0", 240, he also has the size to play the position, but like Reece, the only question is how his blocking skills have improved.

FB/HB Gary Russell

In his rookie year as a Steeler he was mainly used as a blocker and in goal-line situations, putting up 28 carries for 77 yards and three TDs. He also scored the first TD in the Super Bowl.

Tom Cable said he was brought in to play FB.

He is capable of playing both running back positions, either pounding the ball for those tough yards or lead blocking for another running back. At 5'11", 220, he is a load to bring down.

Like the aforementioned players, he is also very versatile.

So why did the Raiders cut Lorenzo Neal now?

The best answer I can give is with the return of a healthy Oren O'Neal, Neal became expendable, especially considering his age (38) and the strong competition at the position.

Last year, when asked about pursuing Neal, former Raider coach Lane Kiffin said he didn't fit into the zone-blocking scheme. Is it possible he actually could have been right?

Also, it may be a sign of good faith by the Raiders.

After seeing him perform week one in preseason, other teams are likely to sign him. With him being cut so early, he still has time to sign with another team, learn the offense, and gel with the team.

Let's just hope he stays out of the AFC West.

For all we know, the Raiders already had plans of cutting him and decided to cut him now because our mild-mannered friends across the Bay showed interest.

Oren O'Neal and Lorenzo Neal don't complement each other very well, simply because their skill sets are identical.

The Raiders are in need of a receiving FB to compliment the blocking FB (O'Neal), preferably someone who can come in off the bench and not only block, but also be a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield, i.e. Marcel Reece, Luke Lawton, or Gary Russell.

Neal is a very good blocker, but that is just about all he is good at. He is basically a one trick pony.

Not versatile at all.

Someone who can run the ball for short yardage would also be a plus.

Not only that, but Cable also hinted at a lot of two-tight end sets this offseason.

Two tight ends and a FB will likely be used exclusively in short yardage.

Then there is his age. I am not claiming that at 38 the guy doesn't have it anymore, but the FB position is a very physically demanding position and causes a lot of wear and tear on the body. Last year as a Raven, Neal was used pretty sparingly; though he was active in all 16 games, he only saw the field in 10 and only started five. 

Neal will not be in the league much longer; there's a good chance he won't be back next year. It's quite possible the Raiders would rather develop some of the younger guys rather than rely on an aged veteran.

Remember how us Raider fans were so into the youth movement? Maybe this is their way of keeping it going.