The Future of the Oakland Raiders Defense: The "Bullies" of the West

We have all heard the news of Nnamdi Asomugha leaving for the Philadelphia Eagles.

For the record, I wish him all the luck in the world. I have respect for him, both as a player and as a man.

He did what he felt was in his best interest. All I can say is that I wish he could've been a part of the turnaround that the Oakland Raiders will embark on in 2011 and beyond.

Despite Asomugha's departure, the Raiders are on the rise. I believe we will see it clearly on the defensive side of the ball especially.

This defense is just as athletic as past defenses. They are also a whole lot more physical.

Head Coach Hue Jackson has said multiple times that his intent is to build a bully on the field and re-establish the kind swagger this organization has had in the past.

This defense fits that bill perfectly, in 2011 and beyond.

Richard Seymour

For the record, I do not believe that the future of this defense is on Richard Seymour's shoulders.

Despite his new contract, the Raiders have not put in a huge investment in Seymour time-wise.

However, right now he is the leader of the defense—the kind of leader that has become the heart of that side of the ball.

Seymour has put a goal in each of his teammates' hearts.

He has made it known that average is not acceptable, and because of that message the players around him want to be great.

I put Seymour on this list for one reason. When the Raiders inevitably become great again, the media will say, "When did the change in culture occur?"

The answer can be traced to one man. Richard Seymour.

That will always make Seymour a Raider in my eyes, despite his time as a New England Patriot.

I firmly believe that if the Raiders can find away to put one more ring on his finger, Seymour will be wearing a Gold Jacket as a member of the Silver and Black.

Kirk Morrison Out. Rolando McClain In.

It was hard to see Kirk Morrison leave.

The Bay Area native and lifelong Raider fan lived his dream as a player for his childhood team.

Morrison had his ups and downs, but he had a big heart and will always be a part of this organization.

But the fact was, the Raiders needed an upgrade at the middle linebacker position.

In came Rolando McClain.

McClain did not have a flashy rookie year, but he was productive and consistent.

McClain instantly made it known that he was a big athletic body that was ready to take heads.

Despite McClain's physical talents, his most valuable trait is his football intelligence. This young man is a student of the game, and his head coach recognizes that.

"I see a guy with a whole lot more confidence. Really taking command of the defense, is the leader of the defense, wants that responsibility. He understands that it is time to play like he knows he can play."

Great praise from a coach who demands a lot.

Matt Shaughnessy: Can He Be a Pro Bowler?

I'm not too big on relaying stats.

The fact is Matt Shaughnessy has been a very productive player with limited playing time. In 2011, he is the projected starter.

It is going to be very fun to watch what this guy can do.

Shaughnessy is a high-motor guy who plays to the whistle just like every great defensive end.

He has both the strength and the speed to get past the athletic left tackles of the NFL.

With the Raiders having a harder schedule in 2011—and potentially a playoff berth—I want to see how Shaughnessy reacts to higher competition.

I don't think he will be intimidated by any circumstances, especially when you have a fiery partner on the other side.

Lamarr Houston: Partner in Crime

Lamarr Houston was drafted as a defensive tackle in the second round of the 2010 draft.

The Raiders decided to move him to defensive end.

Some think he should return to the tackle position, but he is one of the most unique athletes at the defensive end position. He played very well there in 2010.

At almost 300 pounds, Houston showed the kind of athleticism that we haven't seen since Derrick Burgess.

Even ESPN gave Houston some credit, saying he could be a breakout player in 2011.

If ESPN is giving credit to a young Raider, we might want to take notice.

It isn't a stretch to say Shaughnessy could get 12 or more sacks in 2011.

With five sacks as a rookie, it's not hard to believe that Houston could get eight or more sacks in 2011 as well.

Travis Goethel: Player to Watch

The 2010 sixth-round pick had a bit of bad luck last season.

Reports had Travis Goethel poised to start in 2010, until a back injury at the end of the preseason sidelined him.

He did get some time at special teams and did a very respectable job.

Another high-motor guy who is coming into the 2011 training camp ready to prove his worth as a potential starter.

If Goethel does emerge as a starter, that would make the 2010 draft class even more special and would keep this line-backing corps extremely young, talented and potentially together for a long time.

He is going to have to compete with Quinton Groves, Trevor Scott and potentially Kirk Morrison (if you believe the rumors of his return).

Goethel has made it known that the best part of his game is in run defense, which the Raiders have struggled with in the past.

If Goethel can get comfortable in pass coverage, he could be quite a weapon.

Demarcus Van Dyke/Chimdi Chekwa: Who Wins Out?

This training camp battle will be the most interesting in 2011.

The attention is all going to go to Standford Routt as he attempts to replace Nnamdi Asomugha. I have some faith in Chris Johnson, but I have a hard time believing that he is our long-term answer opposite Routt.

Rookie corners Demarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Checkwa are going to get quite a bit of paying time.

They both are big, long corners that Al Davis loves, and if Routt one day gets released, they could be a great tandem.

The question is who has the biggest upside.

If you are looking for a legitimate rookie impact, you have to give the edge to Chekwa despite him being drafted a round later.

Chekwa has played for a well-coached Ohio State defense, and due to his blazing speed, he doesn't get enough credit for the technician he is.

He may not be as polished as some would like, but he is not the project that most believe he is.

Demarcus Van Dyke, however, is in a bit of a different situation.

He was drafted a round earlier than Chekwa and may have some slightly bigger expectations. He has been linked to the Raiders ever since he ran a 4.28 at the Combine.

Van Dyke has gotten some criticism for losing his starting job at Miami, but he insists that he still had just as much playing time as his teammates.

Van Dyke's speed also overshadows his other skills. His ball skills are respectable, and he is a lot more physical than people give him credit for due to his size.

He is only 185 pounds. Although he is a physical player, can his body keep up with his style of play at the NFL level?

If you give Van Dyke the time to get his body together, he could be the biggest steal in the 2011 draft and ultimately the best corner of the draft.

Overview

It is going to hurt to see Nnamdi go.

But that by no means indicates we can't win without him.

The Raiders have always been a talented team before and after Asomugha, and I have a feeling the next-best corner of the NFL will be drafted by the Raiders sooner rather than later—if they haven't already.

This team has a history of Hall of Fame talent at that position.

This defense is going to help the Raiders get the championship that Nnamdi is looking for.

The question is: who gets it first?

Maybe these two teams have to go through each other in order to get the ring. That would be fun to watch.