Breaking Down the Top 10 Veteran Additions on the 2015 Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie took a lot of criticism for the new faces introduced via free agency over the past few years. In 2015, he opted to fill in various starting positions with free agents rather than rely so heavily on the draft.
Post-draft breakdowns have dissected the Raiders' rookie class from their high school years all the way through college. What about this year's class of free agents? Did McKenzie improve on the art of picking up pieces from other squads and inserting these players as missing puzzle pieces to a potential playoff team?
We'll dissect the top 10 veteran free-agent signings who should translate into impact players for the 2015 season.
C / Rodney Hudson
1 of 10
What's his track record?
Ironically, center Rodney Hudson was drafted seven spots behind the guy he replaces, Stefan Wisniewski. Raiders fans may remember Wisniewski as a player they wanted to keep, but Hudson has developed at a faster pace with the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs.
Hudson spent two years as a backup center before taking snaps as a consistent starter. In 2013, he struggled, allowing five sacks, per Pro Football Focus, but he vastly improved his pass blocking in 2014. Last season, he was ranked as the third-best center in the league, per PFF.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
As previously noted, Hudson strengthened his pass-blocking skills, which bodes well for quarterback Derek Carr. During mandatory minicamp, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave raved about his ability to pull, an essential asset to the new power-running scheme in Oakland, per CSN Bay Area reporter Scott Bair.
Bair also added reference to Hudson's low-key assets that should help Carr develop as a signal-caller:
"Hudson is an athletic presence at center, with a sky-high football IQ that will help quarterback Derek Carr make in-game checks. Hudson may not be the best known center in the game – Alex Mack or the Pouncey brothers would win a popularity contest – but at age 25 is an emerging talent with his best football in the future.
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Critics would categorize Hudson's demeanor as laid-back or too passive to hold off pass-rushing defensive tackles, which may explain his early struggles in pass blocking. Hudson's intelligence is the counterargument. He plays smart with athleticism, which overcomes the lack of a mean streak in his play.
How he fits or doesn't fit with the Raiders
The Raiders had a void to fill at center after contract talks with Wisniewski soured. The organization made its most expensive purchase of all. Hudson is the highest-paid player on the Raiders' 2015 payroll. However, the league is hip to the importance of a strong offensive line. Furthermore, according to Bair's piece, the coaching staff already feels he's "worth every penny."
The improvements in pre-snap adjustments to opposing defenses won't light up the box score, but Carr will owe it to Hudson for his assistance in calling out timely audibles and nifty formation shifts.
WR / Michael Crabtree
2 of 10
What's his track record?
Wide receiver Michael Crabtree spent six productive seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He didn't post monster numbers. Keep in mind, Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick were Crabtree's quarterbacks. That's not a dig on Smith or Kaepernick. Smith doesn't stretch the field with his arm and Kaepernick has thrown 21 touchdowns in a season, at best.
Crabtree racked up yards in chunks when he got the ball in his hands. Prior to the 49ers' offensive fallout in 2014, he averaged as many as 14.9 yards per reception and a low of 12 yards per reception in his first five seasons.
What are his strengths and weaknesses?
Crabtree critics quickly point to his diva attitude as a deterrent from inviting him into the locker room.
"The only concern I have about Michael Crabtree is his diva reputation. BUT I don't like to speak about people I don't know like that.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) March 18, 2015"
"You would think Michael Crabtree was Terrell Owens with how some fans think he is the biggest "diva" in the league.
— Just Blog Baby (@JustBlogBaby) April 14, 2015"
And then, of course there, was a humbling moment in an NFC Championship Game against cornerback Richard Sherman and the Seattle Seahawks that labeled him mediocre:
"""@Edogg24 Different interview, game, year, situation, etc. You see his post game comments? http://t.co/1KToE2CJOM #DIVA
— Jeremy Dorn (@jamblinman) January 20, 2014"
These labels are just labels imposed by people, but they don't define Crabtree as an overall player. Based on production, Crabtree has the ability to put up numbers at a high level. In 2012, he was the go-to guy for an inexperienced Kaepernick playing alongside an older Randy Moss.
It's important that Carr trusts his veteran receiver to make plays in case inexperience or injury inhibits the receiving corps.
How he fits or doesn't fit with the Raiders
Crabtree adds a breadth of experience needed at the position. I don't expect him to take the younger receivers under his wing, but his on-field production and field savvy hold value. Carr has very little experience working with his less experienced receivers Amari Cooper and Rod Streater. In the early goings, the veteran, Crabtree, may emerge as a go-to target as a starter to get Carr revved up.
Expect Crabtree to make a statement in a contract year. He'll put forth maximum effort to erase that label of a mediocre prima donna, allowing him to extend his career and earn a more lucrative deal in the offseason.
DT / Dan Williams
3 of 10
What's his track record?
Dan Williams has perfected a specific niche as an interior defensive lineman. In 2014, he ranked as PFF's eighth-best run-stopper, one spot ahead of Terrance Knighton, who was considered a lock to sign with Oakland via free agency.
It's also important to note that Williams played as a rotational player over the past three seasons. He played in 45 games but only started 30 of them.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
Williams' track record suggests his impact peaks in run defense. Don't expect the 6'3", 315-pound defensive tackle to chase down quarterbacks or provide much pressure up the middle. He's a gap-stuffer expected to keep those running lanes tight for elusive running backs attempting to grind out yardage between the guards.
Williams will likely come off the field on obvious passing downs, but he poses a threat as a standing beanstalk against division-rival running backs Jamaal Charles, C.J. Anderson and Melvin Gordon. The keys to defeating Peyton Manning in preserve mode and Kansas City's limited offense should focus on thwarting the rushing attack. Williams is the guy who can heavily affect that part of the game.
How he fits or doesn't fit with the Raiders
Williams' limited role is another reason why it's critical the Raiders create a pass rush on the outside. The former Cardinals defensive tackle has accumulated two sacks over the span of five seasons; it would be a mistake to change his focus at this point in his career. The Raiders needed a bigger body to plug the middle, and that's what they're getting out of Williams.
In 2014, Oakland ranked 22nd in rushing yards allowed and tied for third with the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints in rushing touchdowns allowed as one of the softest defenses in the middle. Those statistics should moderately improve with Williams playing alongside Justin Ellis, fortifying the middle of the defensive front.
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S / Nate Allen
4 of 10
What's his track record?
Nate Allen makes his bones playing center field in coverage. He's capable of providing help loading the box against the run, but he's a turnover machine in coverage duty. Allen has 10 career interceptions.
In five NFL seasons, he played both safety positions with consistency—starting in 69 out of 74 games. That's certainly an upgrade over former safety Tyvon Branch's availability after Branch missed 27 games over the past two years. The Raiders don't have much depth at safety, so it's critical that Allen remains healthy throughout the season.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
Allen plays better as a free safety in space reacting to the action in front of him. He also brings some experience the Raiders don't have in their defensive backs outside of safety Charles Woodson.
Allen is considered a ball hawk, but he can also be a gambler who allows touchdowns in coverage. It's the risk of aggressively forcing turnovers. He takes some passes away, and a few balls sail over his head, but his confidence isn't shaken by the previous play. In 2014, he forced four interceptions but allowed five touchdown passes.
How he fits or doesn't fit with the Raiders
Raiders fans will hear the term "ball hawk" used in connection with Allen repeatedly this season. According to Raiders.com writer Eddie Paskal, that's his objective—follow the football:
"Allen led the Eagles with four interceptions in 2014, and is looking forward to continuing his ball hawking in Silver and Black.
'I was brought here a lot for that, to be an over-the-top guy, play in the middle of the field a lot and be a ball hawk,' Allen said. 'Go get the ball and create turnovers.'
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No convoluted coverage schemes needed here. The Raiders are content with Allen playing center field and moving with the action. Last year, Oakland only forced nine interceptions. There are still lingering question marks concerning the pass rush. Allen isn't a superb coverage defender, but coming up with extra turnovers should ease the pressure on the young cornerbacks.
ILB / Curtis Lofton
5 of 10
What's his track record?
Curtis Lofton's characteristics and abilities align with the prototypical inside linebacker. He's a durable tackling machine. In seven career seasons, he has accumulated 622 tackles and never missed a game. He also started 111 of 112 games.
Lofton's 28 career passes defended underscore his underrated skills in pass coverage. He's a highly active run defender but offers some versatility, which became an essential aspect in the Raiders search for linebackers during the offseason.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
Lofton exhibits the intangibles and physical abilities to quarterback an NFL defense. He reached 100 tackles twice in his career and strengthened the Atlanta Falcons defense at the very beginning of the Matt Ryan era.
Atlanta's defense ranked 11th, 14th, 5th and 18th during Lofton's four-year tenure between the 2008-11 seasons. Lofton doesn't deserve all the credit for the Falcons' decent defensive efforts, but he was a major contributor as the heartbeat of the defense.
The fallout for Lofton occurred within the last three seasons while playing for the New Orleans Saints. In all three years, Lofton ranked in the bottom half of the league among starting inside linebackers, per PFF.
Last season, Lofton was targeted repeatedly in short passing attacks (69), allowing 49 receptions for 568 yards and three TDs, which accounts for a nightmarish season for an inside linebacker in coverage. He also missed 22 tackles. His perceived strengths became exploited weaknesses in coordinator Rob Ryan's 3-4 defense.
How he fits or doesn't fit with the Raiders
Which Lofton will show up in Oakland? The player capable of covering intermediate passes and locking up tackles, or the player who was repeatedly gashed in coverage last year in New Orleans?
Bleacher Report's Christopher Hansen clarifies Lofton's recent struggles and how the Raiders can minimize these flaws going forward:
"The Raiders can get the most out of Lofton by minimizing the opportunities he has to defeat a block in the run game and keeping him away from flat coverage against running backs. Lofton is best using his instincts and moving around unimpeded.
The Raiders actually have a defensive front capable of keeping Lofton off blocks. Khalil Mack was a dominant run defender as a rookie, and defensive end Justin Tuck was predictably above average. The Raiders also signed defensive tackle Dan Williams to play alongside defensive tackle Justin Ellis.
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I wouldn't bank on Tuck playing above average this year, but Hansen is correct in pointing out the big bodies in Oakland's 4-3 scheme occupying defenders. This allows Lofton to roam free and make plays similar to his days in Atlanta. Williams and Ellis are responsible for detaining the running backs, and Lofton gets matched up with a less athletic tight end to cover over the middle.
Jason Leskiw of SFBay puts the upgrade at inside linebacker into perspective via Twitter:
"LB Curtis Lofton, known as an average ILB, replaces Miles Burris, who is the worst rated ILB ever graded by @pff. Substantial, even if avg.
— Jason Leskiw (@LeskiwSFBay) June 2, 2015"
ILB / Malcolm Smith
6 of 10
What's his track record?
Malcolm Smith teased the Seattle Seahawks with flashes of his overall talent but never fully elevated from a reserve linebacker. He's most known for an interception returned for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos, which propelled him to Super Bowl XLVIII MVP.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
Smith's athleticism became apparent with his Super Bowl play. He also illustrated his capability to line up as an inside or outside linebacker during his tenure in Seattle.
The four-year linebacker played the bulk of his starts in 2013, when he flashed awareness, speed and coverage ability. He recorded two interceptions, returned one for a touchdown and had six passes defended that year. New Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton was Seattle's linebackers coach at the time. The reunion in Oakland could potentially signal a breakout year for Smith.
Norton is a mastermind when positioning his linebackers to make critical plays. Smith's limited experience as a starter holds his talent hostage behind weak-side linebacker Sio Moore. He must jump the learning curve early in the offseason to rise above a crowded linebacking corps.
How he fits or doesn't fit with the Raiders
The Raiders are plentiful at the linebacker position. Smith's versatility makes him an intriguing play for Norton. The freedom to move outside linebacker Khalil Mack in different spots across the defense allows Smith the opportunity to insert himself into the starting lineup.
It seems as though Oakland may experiment with a 3-4 defense based on the volume and hybrid type of linebackers brought in during the offseason. Smith fits in as either an inside or outside linebacker capable of seeing quality time as a plug-in player or consistent starter in case of injuries.
RB / Trent Richardson
7 of 10
What's his track record?
Running back Trent Richardson came into the league with lofty expectations after dominating in his junior year at Alabama. Since breaking into the league with a productive rookie season, he lost his step. It's surprising to see a former No. 3 overall pick trying to pick up the pieces on his third NFL team.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
Richardson is often criticized for a subpar yards-per-run average. He's averaging 3.3 yards per carry for his career, making it tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, Bleacher Report's Mike Miller stresses the mental component of his game as the culprit of his struggles:
"The biggest difference in Richardson's game is that lack of anger that he ran with at Alabama. It's possible that he's overthinking and trying to analyze the field instead of reacting to it."
In the NFL, that first step could be the difference between a 10-yard gain and a two-yard loss. Miller highlights another aspect of Richardson's game that disappeared since his collegiate years:
"The problem isn't that Richardson has lost his strength; it's that yardage after contact isn't there."
The bruising running back out of Alabama cannot mow through grown men as previously done against college kids. He also lacks the explosiveness to evade the bigger bodies. In contrast to Miller's statement, Richardson can still rack up yards after a hit, but he needs a higher volume of carries.
In a solid rookie season, he accumulated 558 of his 950 rushing yards after contact. Last season, he recorded 364 of a total 511 yards after contact. In both scenarios, more than half his yards came after the first touch, but he received 167 carries with the Indianapolis Colts as opposed to 267 carries with the Cleveland Browns.
How he fits or doesn't fit with the Raiders
The Raiders need a thunder to go along with their lightning in running back Latavius Murray. Richardson could still fill that role.
The bulk on Oakland's offensive line favors Richardson, who could take advantage of defenders mauled by a tougher offensive line. He needs stellar blocking to slow the game down as he attacks the running lanes. The Colts were notorious for their poor offensive line, which graded a minus-7.7 in run blocking in 2014, per PFF. The Raiders offensive line is designed to accommodate Richardson's power-running style.
RB / Roy Helu
8 of 10
What's his track record?
Running back Roy Helu is a career backup with an underrated ability to carry the load when necessary. In four seasons with the Washington Redskins, he carried the ball 20-plus times on only four occasions. In three out of those four performances, he accumulated 100 or more yards on ground. He's also a true dual-threat playmaker as a ball-carrier and receiver.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
According to ESPN's Bill Williamson, Richardson lacks the spark the coaching staff hoped for during OTAs, which creates more opportunity for Helu to slide into the No. 2 running back spot. He's certainly capable of taking on a good portion of the load. He can grind it out between the guards or split outside and turn on the afterburners.
Aside from the 2012 season, when he missed 13 games, his yards-per-carry average never dipped below 4.2, which is significantly better than Richardson's averages. Helu's career receiving yards (1,152) eclipse his career rushing-yard total (1,132), making him a threat when split out as a receiver. He can mimic the production of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell if he gets enough touches as a dual threat.
During the offseason, Helu should continue to work on his pass protection. Last season, he allowed three sacks and seven hurries on the quarterback, per PFF. An improvement in protection potentially keeps him on the field for an extended time.
How he fits or doesn't fit with the Raiders
At this juncture, Helu comes off as a gadget player used in trick plays to fool the defense, but he's the most underrated offensive weapon on the roster. Murray is the front-runner to shoulder the load as a ball-carrier, but Helu should lead the running backs in receiving yards for the foreseeable future.
Musgrave must find ways to get the fourth-year running back the ball in space to shred opposing defenses. Helu's role will expand if Richardson continues to turn out lethargic practices during training camp.
OT / J’Marcus Webb
9 of 10
What's his track record?
Offensive tackle J'Marcus Webb (6'7", 333 lbs) somewhat mirrors Austin Howard (6'7", 330 lbs) as a tackle who's better suited playing as an interior lineman. For Webb, size isn't the only factor, and it certainly makes sense that offensive line coach Mike Tice pushes him into the right guard competition. Tice was the offensive line coach during Webb's years as a starter with the Chicago Bears.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
Webb clearly struggled in pass protection as a starter for the Bears between the 2010-12 seasons. When breaking down his pass protection grades, per PFF, he failed to produce a positive grade in each season. He allowed a whopping 11 sacks in 2010, 12 sacks in 2011 and seven sacks in 2012, per PFF.
There's a reason the Minnesota Vikings featured Webb in the starting lineup for only one game in two seasons. He has been ineffective at his natural position, but Tice eyes an opportunity to possibly save his career as a guard.
Webb's size creates some potential at guard. However, if Howard loses the competition to Menelik Watson at right tackle, he should be considered ahead of Webb at right guard due to his experience playing the position in 2014. On a brighter note, he's making a good first impression in OTAs at his new position, per San Francisco Chronicle writer Vic Tafur via Twitter:
"Name u probably haven’t heard in #Raiders RG battle: J’Marcus Webb. 6-7 vet FA is pushing Barnes and rookie Feliciano for a starting spot.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) June 9, 2015"
How he fits or doesn't fit with the Raiders
Webb adds depth to the Raiders offensive line, but he's nothing close to a starting-caliber player. He struggles tremendously in pass protection, and he falls behind at least two candidates in the competition at right guard. Unless he miraculously improves his overall blocking skills, it's tough to see him cracking the starting lineup in Oakland.
After five seasons in the league, you are what your track records says, for the most part.
QB / Christian Ponder
10 of 10
What's his track record?
Christian Ponder, a former first-round pick expected to save the Vikings from mediocrity, attempts to reinvent himself as a backup. He led Minnesota to one playoff appearance, though injury kept him out of an NFC Wild Card Round loss to the Green Bay Packers. Ultimately, Ponder's situation as starter didn't work out with Musgrave calling the shots on offense in Minnesota, but he hopes to land a solid reserve spot behind Carr.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
Ponder's athleticism allows him to make plays when the pocket collapses on broken plays and stretch the defense from sideline to sideline. That's what made him a promising choice out of Florida State in 2011. He's not as accurate as Chiefs signal-caller Alex Smith, but he's capable of showing flashes when moving the pocket.
Throwing accuracy has hurt Ponder and continues to handicap his upside even during Raiders minicamp. CSN Bay Area's Scott Bair sees Ponder's stock dropping during OTAs after a sloppy finish to mandatory minicamp. Thus far, Ponder has a 38-36 career touchdown to interception ratio.
How he fits or doesn't fit with the Raiders
Ponder doesn't throw the ball as skillfully as Matt McGloin, but he can find a place on this roster as a veteran third-string QB. He provides a veteran presence in the locker room to help Carr along in his early stages as a professional QB. There's always space on the roster for a heady veteran in the locker room.
The Raiders' high-powered offense could potentially offset some of his shortcomings with accuracy and arm strength, but he must show improvement during training camp as evidence he's ready to take command of a developing offense when necessary.
You can follow Maurice Moton on Twitter for the latest on the Raiders and NFL chatter.
Advanced statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com, Pro Football Focus and ESPN.com.
Player contracts provided by Spotrac.
Player measurements courtesy of Raiders.com.
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