On the other hand, tackles like Ziggy Hood and Ricky Jean-Francois are probably better fits for more 3-4 looks. Muhammad Wilkerson is off an injury. Plus, he seems to excel at only stuffing the run. Bennie Logan has bounced around the league the past few years, although he is versatile.
Why not give Corey Liuget a shot? The former division rival defensive tackle registered 1.5 sacks in 6 games with three starts. The former first round pick is on the right side of 30, knows the system and played in multiple fronts for San Diego. He makes sense, especially if the Raiders get any injuries along their front line.
Derrick Morgan
Speaking of the line, the Raiders could also use a pass rusher like Derrick Morgan. He only had .5 sacks in 12 games last yea,r but he had 16.5 in the two seasons before. Morgan recently turned 30 and also has scheme versatility. Sure, William Hayes or Michael Johnson make sense scheme wise. They’re true 4-3 ends who can slide down inside on pass downs. Johnson has scheme experience in Paul Geunther’s team. However, Hayes has been more protective recently. Both are above the age of thirty.
That’s why Derrick Morgan would be a nice fit for the Raiders since he is barely hittingage 30. Morgan also has something to prove after a down season so the former Titan should enjoy the Raiders’ chance to get some playing time. He could provide some pass rush and also help Clelin Ferrell and Arden Key develop into productive pros. Morgan is also probably a better fit for Oakland than Nick Perry, who is more of a natural linebacker.
Jermaine Gresham
Despite the Raiders glut of bodies at tight end, Oakland doesn’t really have a starter. Derek Carrier is a limited journeyman, Darren Waller is young, athletic and unproven and Luke Wilson is blocking tight end on his third team in three years. Oakland could use some more talent at the position so Jermaine Gresham makes sense. Gresham was relegated to more of a blocking tight end the past few seasons. He had less than 100 receiving yards last year and Gresham last had over 400 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2014. However, he started double-digit games the past few seasons and his 300 receiving yards in 2017 would make him more productive than what the Raiders have on the roster right now.
Otherwise, Lance Kendricks offers a similar value as a blocking tight end with starting experience. However, Gresham is a little younger and more productive the past few years. Dion Sims is a few years younger and has some starting experience too. Still, Gresham probably makes more sense since he’s been more durable the past few seasons. Either way, the Raiders should consider adding another proven commodity to the competition at tight end.
Conclusion
Why not take a shot on a veteran? Remember last year, the Raiders added Frostee Rucker, Rubin and others as veterans to push the competition in camp. Any of these three players could add that same value given the chance. I’m always gonna bang the table for the Raiders to add some talent, especially if they have the cap space.
