Silver And Black Pride - Poll positions: Raiders 2015 team needsCovering all things Las Vegas Raiders footballhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49501/sbp-fav.png2015-02-06T17:16:02-08:00http://www.silverandblackpride.com/rss/stream/77383822015-02-06T17:16:02-08:002015-02-06T17:16:02-08:00Raiders team needs: Poll Position results
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The voting has closed and we now have a pretty good idea of what you all see as the levels of need at each position for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a>. Here they are in order of importance. The percentage was how many of the voters chose that level of need.</p>
<h4>Desperate need</h4>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/30/7954701/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-defensive-end/in/7738382">Defensive end (80%)</a></h5>
<p>No surprise here. The Raiders garnered almost no pass rush from the defensive end position last season. They have needed a defensive end for years and have never made it a priority. They absolutely cannot neglect it again.</p>
<h4></h4>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/24/7881167/poll-position-do-raiders-have-a-need-at-wide-receiver/in/7738382">Wide receiver (79%)</a></h5>
<p>No number one receiver and haven't had one in many years. They absolutely must get a playmaker at the wide receiver position.</p>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/2/3/7974309/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-linebacker/in/7738382">Middle linebacker (58%)</a></h5>
<p><span>Nick Roach's</span> status is still uncertain after being placed on injured reserve last season with a concussion. <span>Miles Burris</span> was literally the worst rated player at any position in the NFL last season. The Raiders can't be caught in the same bind they were last season.</p>
<p><i>Next option: Could use an upgrade (This is dependent upon that status of Nick Roach)</i></p>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/29/7947525/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-defensive-tackle/in/7738382">Defensive tackle (51%)</a></h5>
<p><span>Justin Ellis</span> seems like he might be the answer at the nose tackle spot. At the other position is <span>Antonio Smith</span>, who was decent last season, but is 33-years-old. The team needs to think about getting that spot fixed long term.</p>
<h4>Moderate need</h4>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/27/7925613/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-offensive-tackle/in/7738382">Offensive tackle (41%)</a></h5>
<p>Left tackle is fine for the moment, but <span>Donald Penn</span> is 33-years-old. Right tackle <span>Menelik Watson</span> can't stay healthy and hasn't earned much confidence when he has.</p>
<p><i>Next option: Desperate need (36%)</i></p>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/28/7930655/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-guard-center/in/7738382">Guard/center (40%)</a></h5>
<p>The big concern here is whether <span>Stefen Wisniewski</span> will be back. He has already turned down contract offers from the team and the Raiders' recent track record with keeping their own free agents has not been good. <span>Austin Howard</span> did not play well at right guard and some have suggested perhaps he move back to right tackle (where he played with the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jets</a>), which might not be a bad idea with the current state at right tackle. But even that move is not guaranteed to work out.</p>
<p><i>Next option: Desperate need (37%)</i></p>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/27/7923151/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-tight-end/in/7738382">Tight end (38%)</a></h5>
<p>The Raiders haven't had an elite level tight end since <span>Zach Miller</span> was leading the team in receiving. Since then, they have had a need every year and done little to remedy that. <span>Mychal Rivera</span> has been a pleasant surprise as a round six pick but he isn't enough.</p>
<p><i>Next option: Desperate need (36%)</i></p>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/2/5/7989659/poll-position-do-raiders-have-a-need-at-safety/in/7738382">Safety (39%)</a></h5>
<p>This could very well be the last year in Oakland for both <span>Charles Woodson</span> and Tyvon Branch. Woodson will be 39 in October and Branch's already near $10 million cap hit goes up another million next season. That's a lot for any player, let alone someone who has played in a total of five games over the past two seasons.</p>
<p><i>Next option: Desperate need (24%)</i></p>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/2/5/7983601/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-cornerback/in/7738382">Cornerback (36%)</a></h5>
<p>Last year's starters were on one year deals and aren't likely to be back. That leaves the starting jobs to <span>D.J. Hayden</span> and <span>T.J. Carrie</span> with some depth behind them but uncertainty. They could really use one more starting caliber corner added to the mix to either play the slot or start on the boundary and allow Carrie to play the slot.</p>
<p><i>Next option: Desperate need (31%)</i></p>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/23/7878923/poll-position-do-raiders-have-a-need-at-running-back/in/7738382">Running back (36%)</a></h5>
<p>Latavius is the hope for the future, but after him there isn't much and not a lot of confidence. Best case scenario is they can get a change of pace back and another potential starter in case they want to go with the two-headed approach.</p>
<p><i>Next option: Desperate need (23%)</i></p>
<h4>Depth only</h4>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/23/7876537/oakland-raiders-poll-how-much-of-a-need-is-quarterback/in/7738382">Quarterback (62%)</a></h5>
<p>With Derek Carr as the hope for the future at the position and <span>Matt McGloin</span> as the backup, the Raiders could use a third bit of competition for the primary backup as well as a roster spot.</p>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/2/3/7974309/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-linebacker/in/7738382">Outside linebacker (41%)</a></h5>
<p><span>Khalil Mack</span> and <span>Sio Moore</span> have the starting jobs locked up and Miles Burris should move back to weakside linebacker next season as depth. That just leaves a backup strong side linebacker behind Mack.</p>
<h4>Not a need at all</h4>
<h5><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/24/7881137/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-fullback/in/7738382">Fullback (52%)</a></h5>
<p>With Marcel Reece as the starter and only current Pro Bowler and <span>Jamize Olawale</span> as the backup, there is no immediate need here.</p>
<h5>Kicker, punter, returner</h5>
<p><span>Sebastian Janikowski</span> and <span>Marquette King</span> are doing the job at kicker and punter respectively with T.J. Carrie as return specialist.</p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/2/6/7994421/oakland-raiders-2015-team-needs-poll-position-resultsLevi Damien2015-02-05T16:04:27-08:002015-02-05T16:04:27-08:00Poll Position: Do Raiders have a need at safety?
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<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Since I won't be getting into special teams, we reach our final Poll Position. After this I will tally up the votes and put out the order of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> team needs. It's appropriate that the last position we take a look at is the last line of defense - safety.</p>
<p>Safety is where we find two of the longest tenured Raiders - <span>Tyvon Branch</span> and <span>Charles Woodson</span>. Branch has been with the team since 2008 (7 seasons) and Charles Woodson has been a Raider for two stints which add up to a decade in a Raiders uniform (1998-2005, 2013-14). The only longer tenured Raiders than either of these two are <span>Sebastian Janikowski</span> (15 years) and <span>Jon Condo</span> (8 years).</p>
<p>Let's see how the safety position looks as a whole.</p>
<h5>Charles Woodson</h5>
<p>Was just re-signed by the team to return for another season. He has shown no signs of slowing down even at the age of 38, heading into his 18<sup>th</sup> NFL season. He played a good amount of strong safety last season and had a lot of success there, leading the team in tackles (111) and interceptions (4). He nearly had as many interceptions as the rest of the team combined (5).</p>
<h5>Tyvon Branch</h5>
<p>The Raiders will have a tough call to make with Branch this season. He has been lost for the season in the first three weeks both of the past two seasons and he is the highest paid player on the team at nearly $10 million against the cap. If they cut him, they'll be saddled with $6.7 million in dead money, so best case scenario is a restructure of some kind. If not, he could be cut either this year or next because his contract only gets more expensive after this season. He is also a strong safety by trade and Woodson played better at the position last season than he did at free safety.</p>
<h5><span>Brandian Ross</span></h5>
<p>Stepped up and played some very good safety for the Raiders last season. It was a huge surprise considering he was one of the worst rated safety in the league in 2013. He also played a decent bit of slot corner when called upon. If he can keep up that level of play, he will be an asset next season.</p>
<h5><span>Usama Young</span></h5>
<p>Appeared in six games, starting three last season before being lost to injury. He is not a guy you want to rely upon to start, but he is good depth.</p>
<h5><span>Jonathan Dowling</span></h5>
<p>The team's final draft pick of 2014 probably should have been placed on the practice squad from the beginning of the season but for some reason was kept on the roster all season long. He was raw and needed to bulk up. Could be nothing more than depth and a special teams player.</p>
<h5><span>Larry Asante</span></h5>
<p>Spent some of camp with the team and then was brought back midseason as an injury replacement. Actually played fairly decent. He is a very sure tackler, but struggles in coverage.</p>
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/2/5/7989659/poll-position-do-raiders-have-a-need-at-safetyLevi Damien2015-02-05T06:00:06-08:002015-02-05T06:00:06-08:00Poll Position: Do Raiders have a need at CB?
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<p>Into the home stretch as we check the pulse of the Nation as to what kind of need the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> have at each position. We look at cornerback this time, a position that has seen some of the greatest turnover from year to year over the past four seasons.</p>
<p>The Raiders have had a different set of starters at cornerback every single season the past four years. That is very likely to become five straight seasons come September.</p>
<p>So, let's take a look at the corners they have now shall we...</p>
<h5>
<span>Tarell Brown</span> (UFA)</h5>
<p>A starter for the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a>, he came to Oakland on a one-year deal. As they like to call it a ‘prove it' deal. While he wasn't terrible, he didn't do much to earn himself another contract. He had no interceptions and just two passes defended in 14 starts. It's unlikely he will return as it appears the Raiders are looking to get some of their young corners into the starting roles.</p>
<h5>
<span>Carlos Rogers</span> (UFA)</h5>
<p>He and Tarell Brown starters opposite each other in San Francisco and both came to the Raiders on one-year deals. Rogers is past the ‘prove it' stage of his career. At the soon-to-be age of 34, he has reached the twilight years, so the team looking to go younger applies even moreso with him. He played well early on but only lasted seven starts before being lost for the season. This was always to be a one-year thing.</p>
<h5><span>D.J. Hayden</span></h5>
<p>Last year's first round pick (12 overall) broke his foot on the second day of OTA's in May and ended up on the regular season PUP list. He was activated in week 8 and started the final eight games of the season. He began the show some of the potential that had him chosen with the new regime's first first round pick, but his injury history is already concerning. First it was the abdominal surgery that had him in a non-contact jersey through his first training camp, then he was lost to a groin injury eight weeks into his rookie season. Add the broken foot and he hadn't had an actual practice in a full calendar year. The Raiders will again be hoping he can be the every day starter.</p>
<h5><span>T.J. Carrie</span></h5>
<p>As a rookie seventh round pick, he exceeding all expectations. One of the reasons he fell so far in the draft was his injury history which caused him to miss two complete seasons of college ball at Ohio. When he was drafted, the Raiders spoke only of using him as a return man. While he did play well returning kicks and punts, he was outstanding at corner. He appeared in 13 games - mostly as a slot corner - with 4 starts, finishing with one interception and 8 passes defended. I expect he will start opposite Hayden next season.</p>
<h5><span>Keith McGill</span></h5>
<p>While Carrie was showing up big time right out the gates, McGill was the higher draft pick (fourth round) and was struggling to find his way. He was out with injury for a stretch in the middle of the season. In total he appeared in 12 games but only recorded a stat in five of them, starting the season finale as an injury replacement. No telling what the future holds for him.</p>
<h5><span>Neiko Thorpe</span></h5>
<p>Was a pleasant surprise as a reserve future signing in the off-season. He earned a spot on the regular season roster, and though he saw the field sparingly, showed some good skills that could earn him more playing time next season. He is just 25 years of age.</p>
<h5><span>Chimdi Chekwa</span></h5>
<p>Has hung around on the Raiders for several years now but never really been able to keep a job. He has had his chances and always ends up getting replaced. He does his best work on special teams.</p>
<h5><span>Taiwan Jones</span></h5>
<p>Remember him? He transitioned from running back to cornerback (he has played both positions in college and high school). But for Jones, cornerback is really more of a title. He excels on special teams as a gunner and sometimes return man.</p>
<h5><span>Chance Casey</span></h5>
<p>Spent camp with the Raiders but didn't make the roster. He then was on the 49ers practice squad and late in the season the team re-signed him due to injuries. He'll get another shot to make the team out of camp.</p>
<h5><span>Ras-I Dowling</span></h5>
<p>Former second round pick by the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> was cut after two seasons, spent one season with the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jets</a> before they let him go prior to the season. He spent most of the season on the Raiders practice squad and was called up for the final three game as an injury replacement.</p>
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/2/5/7983601/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-cornerbackLevi Damien2015-02-03T16:51:41-08:002015-02-03T16:51:41-08:00Poll Position: Do Raiders have a need at LB?
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Back again with the next installment of Poll Position. This time we look at linebacker. That means outside and inside linebacker. I considered separating this with inside/middle and outside but considering some linebackers play both, it got a bit muddy.</p>
<p>Last season the three starting linebackers were drafted in each of the last three drafts - <span>Miles Burris</span> (2012 round 4), <span>Sio Moore</span> (2013 round 3), and <span>Khalil Mack</span> (2014 round 1). Each priority got successively higher. Do the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> make it a priority once again? Let's see...</p>
<h5>Khalil Mack</h5>
<p>The best player on either side of the ball for the Raiders last season. As a rookie. He was the team's pick at 5 overall as one of the biggest no-brainers in the draft. And with how he performed as a rookie, him still having been on the board at fifth overall almost looks like a steal. He didn't win the rookie of the year, but by most measures he should have. The strong side linebacker was an unblockable force against the run and pass and it showed through with the fact that the only player in the NFL at any position with a higher Pro Football Focus grade was current back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year <span>J.J. Watt</span>. I think we're good here.</p>
<h5>Sio Moore</h5>
<p>Complements Mack quite well on the weak side. Plays like his hair is on fire, although his inability to rein it in can be frustrating for his coaches and teammates at times. He will only get better as he matures. He was the team's best draft pick in the 2013 draft so he is still young. Despite missing 5 games last season due to injury and playing hurt in another, he was still third on the team with 99 tackles (67 solo) and sacks (3.0).</p>
<h5>Miles Burris</h5>
<p>He wasn't supposed to be a starter last season, but just like in his rookie season, he was thrust into the starting lineup due to injury. This time it was middle linebacker <span>Nick Roach</span> who never returned from a concussion which had Burris playing out of position all season. The results were not pretty. Pro Football Focus rated him as the worst inside linebacker in the league. His -42.2 grade was the worst in the NFL AT ANY POSITION. Just so we're clear, that's the worst graded player in the entire NFL. It's nearly TWICE as bad as the next inside linebacker (<span>Paul Worrilow</span> -22.0). When he wasn't getting caught up in the block, or late getting to the ball, he was missing tackles. His 16 missed tackles were sixth most among inside linebackers. Almost literally the opposite end of the spectrum from Khalil Mack.</p>
<h5>Nick Roach</h5>
<p>Was one of only a couple young, building block free agent signees in the 2013 offseason and started all that season at middle linebacker. That was the plan heading into last season until he went down with a concussion in the preseason and never returned. That's very concerning and it puts his status in doubt for next season as well. When he was healthy, he was a below average to middle linebacker. He is great at calling out the play and getting the defense aligned, but his on-field performance hasn't been great.</p>
<h5><span>Ray Ray Armstrong</span></h5>
<p>Was picked up off the waiver wire early in the season due to injuries at the linebacker position. Appeared in 11 games with 3 starts, collecting 18 tackles (14 solo). His big problem is stupid penalties. He had quite a few of them, mostly on special teams. His starts were out of desperation on a depleted linebacker corps.</p>
<h5><span>Bojay Filimoeatu</span></h5>
<p>Was an undrafted rookie last season. Started the season on the practice squad, but by week two, they already needed to call him up to the regular season roster. Spent the first part of the season on the team, was cut, put back on the practice squad, then called back up for the last few games. He had 8 tackles (6 solo) on the season.</p>
<h5><span>Spencer Hadley</span></h5>
<p>Another undrafted rookie, he was a late invite to training camp and being a warm body at linebacker with some familiarity with the Raiders system got him a call up when things reached critical mass late in the season. He was mainly a special teams player.</p>
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/2/3/7974309/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-linebackerLevi Damien2015-01-30T16:12:00-08:002015-01-30T16:12:00-08:00Poll Position: Do Raiders have a need at DE?
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<figcaption>Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Now let's look at defensive end, a position which has gone almost completely neglected over the past three seasons under the new regime. They haven't drafted one higher than the 5th round (<span>Jack Crawford</span>) and all three were cut.</p>
<p>They haven't done too well in Free agency either. Here is how the roster currently stands:</p>
<h5><span>Justin Tuck</span></h5>
<p>He wasn't the savior at defensive end the team had hoped but he did some good things. Early in the season he was the fulltime starter and he struggled in that role. He did better once the team began using him more as a rotational pass rusher and did his best work late in the season. He finished with a team-leading 5.0 sacks along with 43 tackles (28 solo).</p>
<h5><span>C.J. Wilson</span></h5>
<p>An under the radar free agent pickup by the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a>. It was Wilson who took over as the starter with Tuck rotating in. Mostly known for his run stopping abilities, he showed some decent pass rushing abilities as well. He finished with 2.0 sacks and 23 tackles (16 solo).</p>
<h5><span>Benson Mayowa</span></h5>
<p>Another new addition, Mayowa was scooped up off waivers from the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a> just prior to the start of the season. He took over when Lamarr Woodley went out with injury in week four and was placed on injured reserve. He showed promise early on but would soon disappear. He finished with 14 tackles (9 solo) and 1.0 sack.</p>
<h5><span>Denico Autry</span></h5>
<p>An undrafted free agent rookie, he appears in 10 games, collecting 13 tackles (9 solo) with no sacks.</p>
<h5><span>LaMarr Woodley</span></h5>
<p>Was signed as a free agent after being released by the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> last off-season. In six games played, with five starts, he totaled 5 combined tackles (3 solo). He was placed on injured reserve and it's hard to imagine he would be back.</p>
<h5><span>Shelby Harris</span></h5>
<p>Was one of the team's seventh round draft choices. Spent most of last season on the practice squad. He appeared in one game last season and didn't record a stat.</p>
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/30/7954701/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-defensive-endLevi Damien2015-01-29T14:00:53-08:002015-01-29T14:00:53-08:00Poll Position: Do Raiders have a need at DT?
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With all offensive position present and accounted for, we switch to the other side of the ball now and we begin with the defensive tackles. This position has been rather unsettled in recent year, with different starters at both positions each of the past three years. And appropriately enough, the subject right now is <span>Justin Tuck</span> <a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/29/7947315/justin-tuck-starts-his-recruiting-of-ndamukong-suh-early-for-2015">doing a bit of recruiting</a> to <span>Ndamukong Suh</span> to join the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a>.</p>
<p>Let's see where it stands now and you can be the judge if it is a need for the Raiders.</p>
<h5><span>Antonio Smith</span></h5>
<p>The oldest of several free agents signed by the Raiders last season. He is 33-years-old and heading into his 12<sup>th</sup> NFL season. He came to the Raiders as a 3-4 defensive end and played the 3-tech DT spot for the team. His strength is as a pass rusher more than a run stopper which is evident in his numbers from last season in which he totaled just 20 tackles (18 solo) and was third on the team with 3.0 sacks.</p>
<h5><span>Justin Ellis</span></h5>
<p>The rookie stepped up at the nose tackle spot, starting 14 games last season, and earned himself a mention on most All Rookie teams because of it. He has shown the potential to be the long term starter at that position. He finished with 21 tackles (16 solo).</p>
<h5>
<span>Pat Sims</span> (UFA)</h5>
<p>Last year's starter couldn't find another team to step up and sign him to a deal he liked so he returned to the Raiders on a second straight one-year deal. He was the starter for the first couple weeks but soon lost that job to Ellis. He finished with more tackles than Ellis, however, totaling 25 (17 solo).</p>
<h5><span>Ricky Lumpkin</span></h5>
<p>Spent much of last season on the practice squad but was called up midseason and appeared in five games, totaling 9 tackles (6 solo) from the 3-tech DT spot.</p>
<h5><span>Stacy McGee</span></h5>
<p>For all the talk of how good he was supposed to be as a rookie, he did not live up to any of it this season. He appears in 11 games but only totaled 4 tackles (2 solo) and late in the season saw his playing time going to Lumpkin.</p>
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/29/7947525/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-defensive-tackleLevi Damien2015-01-28T11:57:29-08:002015-01-28T11:57:29-08:00Poll Position: Do Raiders have a need at OG/C?
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CRsJg8qBJ-4T2SPbUTXd1wmgLwk=/0x0:3478x2319/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45571240/usa-today-8297848.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Next up in our Poll Position series, we look at guard. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> set out to try and fix the problems last off-season and yet still managed to have one of the worst run games in the NFL. And while the guard play is not directly equated to the run game numbers, that was the whole point to getting that area shored up. Here is what they have:</p>
<h5><span>Gabe Jackson</span></h5>
<p>Started as a rookie last season. The Raiders could have gone with <span>Khalif Barnes</span> at left guard and <span>Menelik Watson</span> at right tackle to start the year, but they liked Jackson so much, they gave the rookie the start, started Barnes at right tackle and left Watson on the sideline. The third round rookie held his own at guard. He wasn't spectacular, but once he locked up with a defender, he excelled in controlling the his assignment through to the whistle.</p>
<h5><span>Austin Howard</span></h5>
<p>Was the first big free agent the Raiders signed (outside of <span>Rodger Saffold</span> whose contract was voided soon thereafter due to failed physical). He moved over from tackle to play right guard and didn't live up to expectations. Some have suggested he move back to right tackle, which is not out of the realm of possibility if the Raiders needed him to do so. Keep in mind, he wasn't an outstanding right tackle either.</p>
<h5>
<span>Stefen Wisniewski</span> (UFA)</h5>
<p>The longest tenured member of the Raiders offensive line. He has started at center for the team the past three seasons. Though he had some snap issues with <span>Derek Carr</span> last season, it is not something that has plagued him over his career. He excels in run blocking and holds his own as a pass blocker as well. He is the nephew of Raiders legendary left guard, Steve Wisniewski, but that's no guarantee he will be back with the team. His contract is up and he has already turned down offers this season from the Raiders on a contract extension so it remains to be seen what the future holds for him.</p>
<h5>Khalif Barnes</h5>
<p>Listed among the tackles as well, he has started at left guard ten times over the past two seasons. He was re-signed to his seventh straight one-year extension this year. The 33-year-old offers insurance at guard, at least in the short term.</p>
<h5><span>Kevin Boothe</span></h5>
<p>While Barnes is the utility backup at LG and RT, Boothe is the utility backup at RG and C. The original Raider, returned to the team last year after seven seasons in New York with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a>. He will turn 32 in July so he can be a temporary solution this season if need be.</p>
<h5><span>Tony Bergstrom</span></h5>
<p>The very first pick by the new regime in Oakland back in 2012. Initially seen as a zone blocking specialist, the Raiders switched to power blocking in his second season and then he got injured. Lasts season he made the team out of camp, but probably shouldn't have. He spent the entire season inactive.</p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/28/7930655/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-guard-centerLevi Damien2015-01-27T15:25:43-08:002015-01-27T15:25:43-08:00Poll Position: Do Raiders have a need at OT?
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uZflisxoJDS-VDAipBl24gss-4E=/0x661:1818x1873/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45565074/usa-today-8184101.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With the ‘skill position' players all getting their Poll Position treatment, we move to the offensive line. We start with the offensive tackles to take a look at what kind of need the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> have at the position. Here are the offensive tackles currently on the roster</p>
<h5><span>Donald Penn</span></h5>
<p>Signed off the scrap heap from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> last off-season and was the savior of the Raiders offensive line with the departure of Jared Veldheer. Penn played at a very high level at the left tackle position, although he will be 32 in April. He signed a two-year deal with the team and there are no guarantees he will continue to perform at such a high level to warrant a new contract after this season at the age of 33.</p>
<h5><span>Menelik Watson</span></h5>
<p>Was the Raiders' second round pick in 2013. After missing most of his rookie season to injury, he again struggled with injuries last season. Even when he was healthy, the Raiders opted for <span>Khalif Barnes</span> at right tackle and <span>Gabe Jackson</span> at left guard until Jackson was injured and Barnes had to cover for him, prompting Watson to start. No way to know whether he is the answer at right tackle or if he can even manage to stay healthy. He had just one season of division one college football experience before being declaring for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>.</p>
<h5>Khalif Barnes</h5>
<p>Signed a one-year extension, his seventh one-year deal in a row with the Raiders. He is versatile enough to play every position on the line except center. He tends to struggle if he has to jump into a role or switch positions during the season or during a game. But if he can spend camp or preseason at the same position, he can hold his own. Not the ideal starter, and he will be 33 in April so eventually the Raiders will need to find a suitable replacement for his services.</p>
<h5>
<span>Matt McCants</span> (UFA)</h5>
<p>Doesn't play much. He started some games at right tackle two seasons ago as an undrafted rookie and did well. Typically he comes into games in jumbo packages.</p>
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/1/27/7925613/poll-position-do-oakland-raiders-have-a-need-at-offensive-tackleLevi Damien