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Raiders free agent wishlist: Defensive tackle

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Defensive tackle Paul Soliai #96 of the Miami Dolphins stops running back Derrick Ward #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a loss
Defensive tackle Paul Soliai #96 of the Miami Dolphins stops running back Derrick Ward #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a loss

Really, this should probably have the position of nose tackle specifically. The Raiders are stacked with defensive tackles. But in the Raiders 3-4 base, they are all undersized to be nose tackles. Well, Richard Seymour could pull it off but that would be misusing his skills. He was as 3-4 defensive end with the Patriots prior to joining the Raiders two seasons ago. John Henderson has the weight but he is too tall for the nose tackle position. He could also be released in the next few hours.

The Raiders will need a big body to clog up the middle. The market is thin at the position as most teams tend to hold onto a good nose tackle once they find one. But here are the best options out there:

Paul Soliai (MIA) - He's young and he is large (6-4, 344). The Broncos are reportedly interested in signing him so it would be great to keep him from going to Denver. The fact that he is from Orange County certainly makes Oakland a more attractive destination if all else is equal.

Antonio Garay (SD)- He took a bit of step back last season production wise. But he has done it in the past and it would be worth the chance that he could return to form. And, as usual, it is addition by subtraction from a division rival.

Aubrayo Franklin (NO) - He is getting up there in years (32 before season starts) which could make him a bargain as a free agent. Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver knows him from his time as the linebackers coach with the 49ers.

Also see: Other Raiders free agent wishlists: QB I RB I WR I TE I OC I OG I OT I ILB I OLB I CB

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