2011 Oakland Raiders Free Agents: Raiders Sign a Back-Up Offensive Line

by Rich Langford on Aug 3, 2011 4:01 AM PDT

Once Zach Miller was gone it is obvious they made filling the offensive line was the Raiders' priority No. 1. After a flurry of activity, they were just one guard away from signing an entire offensive line on Tuesday. So welcome to the Raiders: tackles Stephon Heyer and Seth Wand, guard Justin Smiley, and welcome home, Samson Satele. They'll join in the offensive line battle with Jared Veldheer, Daniel Loper, Stefen Wisniewski, Cooper Carlisle, Bruce Campbell, Joe Barksdale and Khalif Barnes. There are also a few undrafted linemen in camp, but there chances at making the roster just took a nosedive.

Last year the Raiders carried nine offensive linemen. That leaves 11 players competing for nine or ten spots. This move makes you wonder about Bruce Campbell's health. Campbell may be looking to start the year on the disabled list. This also means that Mario Henderson and Langston Walker will probably sign with the Seahawks tomorrow.

Here's a look at the new guys:

Stephon Heyer: Offensive Tackle - 6'6 - 332 lbs. - Age: 27

Check out our first assessment of this move.

Justin Smiley: G - 6'3 - 310 lbs - Age: 29

Justin Smiley was pulled from the Jaguars left guard position after five starts last year, and the Jaguars offensive line dramatically improved. He was set two make a 2 million this year and the Jaguars cut him.

I don't think the Jaguars fans at Big Cat Country are going to be terribly upset to see him go. Alfie Crow on Big Cat Country:

Aaron Schatz from Football Outsiders was on with Pete Prisco on 930 The Fox discussing some of these rankings. He specifically made mention that the Jaguars offensive line improved quite a bit when left guard Justin Smiley was replaced in the lineup by Vince Manuwai, especially in the run game.

Justin Smiley, gave up 2 sacks in his 5 starts and was called for 3 false starts and a single holding call.

Stephon Heyer: Offensive Tackle - 6'6 - 332 lbs. - Age: 27

Seth Wand: Offensive Tackle - 6'7 - 330 lbs. - Age 31 (on August 4th)

Seth Wand has been out of the NFL for two years.

Out of the new guys, Heyer has the best chance of starting. Hopefully Joe Barksdale outplays him and plays as good as he says he is going to.

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Comments

If you need to know about Bruce Campbell’s health, I suggest you talk to Comet.

"Be polite to everyone you meet, but be prepared to kill anyone"-tc16cav

by otisnixon'sparty on Aug 3, 2011 4:23 AM PDT reply actions

Camp fodder

None of these guys improve the line to a point of respectability…Jason Campbell probably is having night terrors thinking about playing behind this line and without Miller now…we are going to see a lot of Trent Edwards this year.

You know what would make a good story? Something about a clown who make people happy, but inside he's real sad. Also, he has severe diarrhea.

by Buster Bluth on Aug 3, 2011 5:31 AM PDT reply actions

i still dont think we're done

seeing as the vets cant practice till thursday i see us addin a few more bodies then. i really would like walker back now for that RG spot… duh hell is carlisle still doin around?!

by frank7da2tank on Aug 3, 2011 5:37 AM PDT reply actions

Leonard Davis?

Maybe we should make a push for him after we get Boss or another corner but the Best one Carlos Rogers got snagged up by the 49ers

by pbwulf on Aug 3, 2011 6:18 AM PDT reply actions

id like to see us bring in

kirk or lofu for the OLB position first before boss or another CB. leonard davis is an interesting prospect though

by frank7da2tank on Aug 3, 2011 7:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Raiders OL

Just bodies for camp. Carlisle only gave up 2 sacks and 3 penalties starting all sixsteen games last year. Satele will compete for a guard spot. We will probably pick up Boss and McKinnie to fill out the roster. Raiders dont have much cap room cuz we had to keep our defensive stars but we will be sack machine this year.

by bigmark l on Aug 3, 2011 1:23 PM PDT reply actions

DB signed at OLB

Love seeing us nab Darryl Blackstock out of UVA for the LB corp. He could be a nice addition to replace Howard possibly. He is better suited for a 3-4 but I wouldn’t mind us using a 3-4 defense at times to mess with our opponents a bit and play to some of our guys strengths. Look forward to seeing him play well and make the spot his!

by Diablo24 on Aug 3, 2011 4:09 PM PDT reply actions

Can you tell us about him?

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I made a trade for Seymour. ..I thought it was a great trade. Still do. [Al Davis 1/2011]
Patience advances a man to better times.

by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 3, 2011 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Here's something motivating re Blackstock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYYWzgqBM7k

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I made a trade for Seymour. ..I thought it was a great trade. Still do. [Al Davis 1/2011]
Patience advances a man to better times.

by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 3, 2011 4:20 PM PDT reply actions

Boss to Raiders?

Oh yeah Kevin Boss said he wants to be a Raider and he had a tremendous workout for Hue and is expected to pass a physical. Boss would be an upgrade from Miller and I hear he is more of a vocal leader. Hope we sign him.

by bigmark l on Aug 3, 2011 7:50 PM PDT reply actions