Raider Nation, please join me in welcoming Ben Lamaak to our humble abode. If anyone thought Big Al was sleeping today and would throw airballs at UDFA's, you were wrong. With three months to evaluate the roster after the draft, the Oakland Raider went out and got the right players at the right positions. (According to KFFL, the Raiders even went hard after Pat Devlin)
Here is Screwfish's Take:
Ben Lamaak (C/G, Iowa State)
Lamaak's played all over the line in his four years, after being recruited as a tight end and quarterback. Clearly he doesn't lack versatility or athleticism for a big boy (6'4" and 318), although he's not going to play tackle in the NFL. A hard working, blue-collar sort who's proved himself as a pass blocker in the Cyclones' spread offense, although his run blocking needs to get better. Don't forget his name - he could well become our Jeff Saturday.
Big Ben Lamaak began 2010 on the Outland Trophy Watch List and has played three Offensive Line positions in his four year career at Iowa State.
Lamaak missed the Combine, but showed well at Iowa State's Pro Day. Perhaps he flew "Under the Raider"...?
At six-feet four and three-hundred-five pounds he represents a very versatile player who will go all out on every play and put the team first. That sounds like a few Oakland Raider players I have met and others that I have followed throughout the years.
I know that the title says, "Unofficially", but he has been on a plane, is in Napa and has called himself a Raider on Twitter. I think it's not quite a referee's whistle, but it is pretty dang official.
If you haven't hit him up on Twitter yet, HAVE FUN!!! http://twitter.com/#!/bmaak63
Welcome to Oakland BABY!!! Now knock someone the heck out!
- Saint