This year, one of the Oakland Raiders biggest needs is the defensive tackle position. The current players, Tommie Kelly, Terdell Sands, William Joseph, and Gerard Warren are getting old. Since old age is kicking in, they have less speed, power, and stamina. However, this year's draft contains a great class of defensive tackles. Which one is right for the Raiders?
1 - B.J. Raji
B.J. Raji was a three-year starter in the ACC. and was named to 1st Team All-ACC in 2008. B.J. Raji is suited for the 3-3, but can play the 4-3. Raji can become one of the best defensive tackles as long as he continues to work hard and maintain his weight.
Strengths
Outstanding mass and bulk...Excellent strength...Stout at the point of attack...Can fill two gaps...Able to occupy multiple blockers...Tough, powerful and nasty...A beast against the run...Can really collapse the pocket...Able to penetrate and make plays in the backfield...Above average athleticism...Quick and agile...Pursues well and has a burst to close...Good instincts and awareness...Will offer schematic versatility. - Draftcountdown.com
Weaknesses
Conditioning and stamina have been problems...Is shorter than you'd prefer...Maturity and commitment have been questioned...Doesn't always play with proper leverage...Inconsistent and his motor tends to run hot and cold...Is not an elite pass rusher...Struggled to keep up with his studies and intelligence may be an issue..Durability concerns? - Draftcountdown.com
via media.scout.com
2. Evander Hood
Evander Hood, a three year starter, is a good player. He is versatile, but not great at any one thing. Another advantage about Evander Hood is he is a late 1st round or even a 2nd or 3rd round pick.
Strengths
Very good size and bulk...Active with a non-stop motor...Excellent speed and quickness...Uses his hands well...Strong with some power...Nice instincts and awareness...Stout at the point of attack...Gets upfield and can collapse the pocket...Does a good job in pursuit...Explosive with a burst to close...Sudden off the snap...Has a lot of experience...Extremely coachable...Hard worker...Teamleader. - Draftcountdown.com
Weaknesses
Plays too tall at times...Doesn't always use proper leverage...May not be a difference maker..Self-made player..Jack-of-all-trades, but master of none ... Has some minor durability concerns ... Average production. - Draft countdown.com
3. Peria Jerry
Peria Jerry will become a 25 year old rookie if he comes to the NFL. Peria Jerry was a 1st Team All-American in 2008 and was named 2nd Team All-SEC as a junior and 1st Team as a senior. He led SEC is tackles for loss in 2008, However, he has injury problems.
Strength
Very athletic...Terrific speed...Quick and explosive...Really fires off the ball...Active and has a fantastic motor...Does a nice job in pursuit and has a burst to close...Can penetrate and wreak havoc in the backfield...Uses his hands well...Shows the ability to shed blocks...Is comfortable in space...Pretty tough...Hard worker and leader...Great instincts and awareness...Productive against top competition...Still improving and might have some upside...Super impressive bloodlines. - Draftcountdown.com
Weaknesses
Does not have great size or bulk...Frame is awfully close to being maxed out...Not very strong or powerful...Isn't real stout at the point of attack...Has to be more consistent with his leverage...Can get pushed around in the run game...Struggled in the classroom and intelligence may be an issue...Older than the average prospect...Will not be a good fit for every team...Has some major durability concerns. - Draftcountdown.com
4. Fili Moala
Fili Moala's cousin is Haloti Ngata from the Ravens. Defensive line is in his blood. He is a three year starter who played with Sedrick Ellis two years ago. He is very quick, very aggressive and I mean very aggressive and mean.
Strengths
Excellent athleticism...Very quick and agile...Good speed...Adequate size with long arms...Has a big frame with room to grow...Active and does a nice job in pursuit...Good range and mobility...Can penetrate and slice into the backfield...Productive pass rusher...Decent instincts and awareness...Versatile...Good bloodlines...Great program pedigree. - Draftcountdown.com
Weaknesses
Inconsistent and disappears for stretches...Plays too tall at times and doesn't always use good leverage...Has some trouble getting off blocks...Does not use his hands well...Needs to get stronger...Is not overly stout at the point...Some minor durability and character issues. - Draftcountdown.com
5. Mitch King
Mitch King really showed up at the Senior Bowl. This guy has a good motor, strength, but has tremendous speed. He was a 4 year starter in the Big Ten. he was named Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year as a senior and also earned numerous All-American honors. He lacks a lot of size, but his heart and motor is huge. He can use his speed to plug up holes as he showcased at the Senior Bowl. He was in almost every play.
Strengths
Good athlete...Great timed speed...Was very productive...Relentless with a non-stop motor...Does a nice job of getting off blocks...Is versatile...Good strength...Extremely aggressive...Plays with a nasty demeanor...Intense and competitive...Has a lot of experience against top competition..A hard worker and team leader with elite intangibles. - Draftcountdown.com
Weaknesses
May not have a true position...Undersized for a tackle...Short and slow for an end...Can be too aggressive and passionate at times...Average instincts and awareness...Pass rush repertoire is limited...Not very fluid...Has some trouble in space...Can get overpowered and engulfed. - Draftcountdown.com
6. Ron Brace
Three year starter for the Boston College Eagles. He played alongside B.J. Raji and complimented his at the dominating Eagle's defensive tackle position. He has great size and has a good motor. He really showed how good he was at the Senior Bowl. However, many speculate that he was good because of the presence of B.J. Raji alongside of him.
Strengths
Excellent size and bulk...Very quick off the snap...Great strength...Is stout at the point of attack...Does a terrific job against the run...Gets a good push up the middle...Will collapse the pocket...A powerful tackler...Shows the ability to shoot gaps and penetrate at times...Nice instincts / awareness...Lots of experience...Improving and has upside. - Draftcountdown.com
Weaknesses
Not a sack artist and repertoire of pass rush moves is limited...Does not always play with proper leverage...Still needs to use his hands better...Will get hung up on blocks...Conditioning and stamina might be issues...Has an inconsistent motor...Didn't face many double teams. - Draftcountdown.com
