Defensive Line
Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan plans to use variations of the 3-4 and 4-3 defenses to create mismatches for his playmakers. When they are in the 3-4, massive run-stopper Ted Washington, who was key in the Patriots success last year, will fill the nose tackle position while former Buccaneer Warren Sapp slides out to the end position and either veteran John Parrella or youngster Tyler Brayton takes the other side. In the 4-3, either Parrella or Sapp will line up in the middle with Washington, and another ex-Patriot in Bobby Hamilton coming in to fill the opposite end position. The starters along the defensive line give Oakland a lot of versatility, and coaches are likely to move Sapp around to try to gain an advantage on potential blockers.
Linebackers
Last year’s first-round pick Tyler Brayton is likely to also see time at defensive end, but the coaches are planning to use him at outside linebacker in the 3-4. 2003 third-round draft pick Sam Williams is out with a shoulder injury, so Travian Smith and DeLawrence Grant will also see significant time on the outside.
Starting inside linebacker Napoleon Harris has been hampered by a knee injury that could force him to miss the team’s first game. With the surprising release of Dwayne Rudd, the likely candidate to fill in should Harris not be ready to go is Tim Johnson, a special teams standout who was cut this time last year. Danny Clark will also see time inside in the 3-4, but the loss of Rudd has left the depth very thin in the middle.
Secondary
The team is also lacking depth at safety with former starting strong safety Derrick Gibson out for the season with a shoulder injury. In fact, the Raiders have just two strong safeties on the roster in former Redskins starter David Terrell and former Packers starter Marques Anderson. Veteran Ray Buchanon will be counted on to start at free safety for Rod Woodson, who was released after failing a team physical earlier this year. Third-round draft pick Stuart Schweigert has looked good in the preseason, but he is a bit raw still and probably not ready to start.
At cornerback, Charles Woodson just ended a lengthy holdout that has put him behind the learning curve, so he is spending extra time with coaches to get the new system down. He is one of the more talented defensive backs in the league and he should pick the system up fast, however, it’s not clear how ready he will be on opening day. Phillip Buchanan will start at the opposite corner, and he has great talent and plays aggressively, but he must become more consistent. Veteran Denard Walker and last year’s first-round pick Nnamdi, Asomugha will likely fill the nickel and dime roles.
