for that kinda money you need some probowls or playoffs under your belt. and he has none. hopefully all our shit starts coming together this year and guys getting paid huge numbers back it up with huge numbers

i cant remeber if it was in a jerry mcdonald article as he was analizing and breaking down our players or if it was an actual stat site. i think the breakdown was the play of the otherlinemen and double teams dramn to him and stuffs etc…

.Undoubtedly, the Raiders have at least a few holes and missing pieces which need to be fixed before they can field a competitive team.

But, isn’t it about time the Raiders address the biggest position on the team?

No, I’m not talking about QB; JaMarcus Russell isn’t that big yet.

I’m talking about the nose-tackle position.

The Raiders haven’t had a real nose-tackle since 6’5, 375 pound Ted Washington in 2005.

Because of that, Tommy Kelly has taken a lot of heat from fans and pundits who don’t understand the roles of the players on the D-line in a 4-3. And most of them don’t understand that the two defensive tackle positions are completely different and unique.

Tommy Kelly plays the three technique, which by definition is:

Also known as an “under tackle,” a three-technique tackle lines up opposite the outside shoulder of a guard and shoots that gap between guard and tackle to put pressure on the quarterback, combining a tackle’s size and an end’s speed.

His job is to control the strong-side guard and the B-gap, between the guard and tackle, penetrate and be a disruptive in the backfield, and he has done a very good job.

Actually, Tommy Kelly has done such a good job that despite facing constant double teams, he was the NFL’s 14th most productive of all D-linemen, including defensive ends.

Of all NFL defensive tackles, he was the fourth most productive.

Based on production, Tommy Kelly is the best player on the Raiders D-line. Yes, even better than Richard Seymour and Trevor Scott.

Kelly has been praised for his work ethic and devotion in the weight room by numerous players and coaches, including Raider defectors Lane Kiffin and Warren Sapp.

He just needs someone next to him to help take off some of the pressure. He needs a partner in crime in the interior D-line. He needs someone who can play the one and zero technique the way it was meant to be played.

The Raiders nose tackle usually plays the weak side shoulder of the center. His responsibility is to control the center and weak side A-gap and draw a double team from the weak side guard and center.

This position is usually the biggest, strongest player on the team. They not only play with tremendous strength, but great technique and leverage as they are expected to be immovable. They are also often shorter and stockier than the three technique.

Together, the two defensive tackles are not only responsible for holding their gaps and the center of the field, but also preventing the center and guards from having a free release on the middle backer.

If the Raiders were able to get a real nose tackle, it not only would directly benefit Tommy Kelly by allowing him to work without the burden of constant double teams, but it would help the middle linebacker as well, Allowing him to flow to the ball and better maintain his gap assignment (strong-side A-gap).

By directly benefiting Tommy Kelly and Kirk Morrison—or whoever replaces him—it would also indirectly benefit the whole defense.

Tommy Kelly would be free to wreak havoc without being double-teamed. The D-ends would receive less attention from the o-line and teams no longer would be able to run at will, forcing the pass against our defense.

The Raiders have Gerrard Warren, Richard Seymour, and Desmond Bryant—none of whom can effectively play the one-technique. But, would all be great backups at the three technique behind Tommy Kelly.

So the Raiders need to find someone outside of their current roster.

Nose tackle is arguably one of the hardest positions to fill, requires a special skill set, and is in high demand, so the list of candidates is short.

Here is a list of the top candidates who may be available to the Raiders.