FanPost

The D-Line: What I'd Like To See

Our D-line is turing out to be a a number of things. What it isn't is solid. The outside is very scary and will create havoc for opponents. But the inside is fragile and unbalanced. We need a complete D-line enable to have a superb Defense in general. I will show what we have and how we I'd like us to use it.

*Defensive End*

At DE we have numerous players who are very talented. In no particular order her they are: Trevor Scott, Richard Seymour, Jay Richardson, Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston. Everyone of these guys are special and could be used for a variety of things. We have the pass rush specialist in Trevor Scott. The vetran leader in Richard Seymour. The prodigy, Matt Shaughnessy. The solid big man in Jay Richardson. And the rookie, Lamarr Houston.

Every one of these guys have a job. If used right, they will wreck shop on OT's and TE's all around the league.

My two starting DE's would be Richard Seymour and Matt Shaughnessy. Richard is a presense on the field and a vocal leader, not to mention his mean bull-rush. And Matt Shaughnessy may be the next great 4-3 DE. He's has the typical size, 6'5 265 lbs., and he is well rounded in every aspect of the game.

Rotation is key for Oakland. With all this talent, we can rotate often and keep every man rested and energetic on every play. So, I'd like to Lamarr and Scott used alot as well. Lamarr is another big, strong and high-motor type of guy who will make a big impact for a rookie. And Trevor is a sacking monster. Put him in on 3rd downs and expect many Int's thrown due to lack of time. Jay Richardson is like the Black Sheep. He's not great at one certain thing, but he's solid. He can be used when another is tired or injured and you won't notice any slack.

*Defensive Tackle*

Our Interior line is very worrisome. We have2 Under Tackles, yet not Nose Tackle. Without the NT, the UT will have a difficult time getting any sort of push. Which usually results in blockers in the LB's face causing our Run D to be poor once again.

At UT, we have Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant. Tommy Kelly is talented, but has yet to live up to his massiv contract. But I blame this upon the fact that he hasn't had a quality NT playing next ot him. A UT and a NT go hand in hand, one can't perform without the other.

Desmond Bryant was UDFA who signed with Oakland and performed suprisingly well. With some detirmination and will power, he can be a solid rotation who can give Kelly rest. Their are rumors that he has been bulking up and may have a chance at playing NT, but I just don't believe he is one of those players. He's strong, but not exactly big.

At NT we have hardly anyone..Kellen Heard is just about our only option due to his imense size, 6'6 355 lbs. But, he doesn't have great talent. He was another UDFA and if he can play like he's got something to prove, then maybe he's the answer. Otherwise, we're left with William Joseph or.William Joseph. Damn, I hope Al signs someone.

Well thats what we have. Here's what I'd like to see.

RDE-Richard Seymour

Rotation- Trevor Scott

UT- Tommy Kelly

Rotation- Desmond Bryant/ Lamarr Houston

NT- Kellen Heard/FA?

Rotation- William Joseph/ Desmond Bryant

LDE- Matt Shaughnessy

Rotation- Lamarr Houston/ Jay Richardson

Thats just my opinion though. Like I said, our D-line is still weak unless we see success from Heard or Al signs a proven Vet. Otherwise, we may be in for a rough 2010. Tell me what you think.