275 Pounder Getting Reps at Fullback For The Oakland Raiders

The 2010 Oakland Raiders are going to want to run the ball.  New offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has said that he wants to establish a ground attack that opens up things for the passing game.  The Raiders have two young and talented runningbacks in Darren McFadden and Michael Bush.  Both men have what it takes to be very productive and make some big plays for the Silver & Black.  They just need someone to lead the way.

The position the Raiders aren't settled at is fullback.  Luke Lawton was going to be the starter going in but he has to serve a suspension before he can take the field.  Another option is Marcel Reece but he is more of a pass catching H-back and is currently sidelined with a foot injury.

After the draft the Raiders signed UDFA's Manase Tonga and Chane Moline.  Tonga played his ball at BYU where he got a lot of touches rushing and catching passes out of the backfield.  Moline played for UCLA where he had more of a lead blocking role. 

What caught my eye this morning was that the Raiders are giving 275 lbs Alex Daniels reps at fullback.  That's right Raider Nation.  275 lbs.  He played DE for Cincinatti after transferring from Minnesota.  In Minnesota he got some experience on offense rushing for 309 yards and 5 touchdowns.  He had a very impressive Pro Day with a 4.72-40 yard dash, a 37" vertical, 10'9" broad jump, and also put up 31 reps of 225 lbs.  All are excellent numbers for a man his size.

I am pulling for Daniels to earn the starting position.  I would love to see this 275 lbs beast leading the way for McFadden and Bush.  With his size and power he will wear defenses down.  He'd be like a guard coming out of the backfield.  Opposing LBs will be hesitant to fill the running lanes knowing they are about to collide with a beast like Daniels.  He played defense so you know he isn't afraid of contact.

Daniels told Tom Cable that he will do anything to make the 53-man roster.  He has the frame to play DE but we are kind of stacked at that position with Lammar Houston, Matt Shaughnessy, Trevor Scott, Jay Richardson, Quentin Groves, and of course Richard Seymour.  I hope he makes the squad.  We need guys like this that will do anything to help the team.  He can get after the QB but if he has to clear running lanes for Bush and McFadden then that is what he is going to do.

What do you think RAIDER NATION?  Do you want to see 275 lbs Alex Daniels coming out of the backfield?