Write On Sports LLC - "Moore than enough? " by Mykle Van Hausen

Moore than enough?

2008-02-05 22:47:02 | By: Mykle Van Hausen

Can Oakland fix its appalling run D later in the Draft?

Oaklands deplorable play against the run should be addressed in this years draft. That much is a given for most Raider fans, but should they spend their 1st rounder on a DT?

There are high prospect DT's many are looking at including 6-2, 305 lb. USC Senior Sedrick Ellis and fellow Senior, LSU's 6-2, 303 lb. Glenn Dorsey.But even if, they are available when Oakland uses its 1st round pick, they may elect to pass on Dorsey and Ellis both.

Because Al is a lunatic? Well, sometimes, yes...but not in this instance.

Though Oakland desperately needs to find a way to stop the run (They've ranked 31st, 29th twice and dead last in as many years) if they ever want to compete again, they will in all likely hood pass on these blue chip defenders in the 1st round of the 2008 Draft.

Why?

Though Sedrick Ellis had a fine showing at the Senior bowl, a flaw was exposed on a National stage.

Ellis looks unstoppable early on, but tends to fade as the game progresses. Certainly he can be Coached up and get more cardio, but he is known as more of a pass rusher than a versatile lane clogger.

The moniker "Baby Sapp" may have been too close for comfort. Oaklands Defense with the Super Star pass rusher in the middle was attrocious.

Dorsey on the other hand seems like a pretty solid bet as an immediate contributor to whom ever he goes to, but paying a big man big bucks to clog the middle may remind them of Terdell Sands $17 million dollar disappearing act. Dorsey.To his credit, made 64 tackles and 6 sacks against some of the best College football programs America can offer. His play through a sore knee in the back half of last year may, or may not help him 84 days from now.

Fortunately for Oakland their appear to be a couple of options that may fall to the later rounds of day 1 including:

6-5, 295 lb. North Carolina Senior, Kentwan Balmer. He came on strong to finish his Senior season with 54 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

He is extremely strong and athletic, but some questions remain about his ability to play at the highest level every down.

He'll fall to the second round because he's considered a "boom or bust" player. Questions also remain whether he can compete at the NFL level and because of his size, is running the risk of being slapped with the dreaded "Tweener" label.

Balmer would need to bulk up if he wanted to keep from being over powered in the middle, but could do well in a 4-3 if he does, but does Oakland have or want to take the time?

To his credit, the aforementioned Balmer reminds some of recent Oakland noise maker *Tommy Kelly, who's Free Agent status irks some ansy Raider fans, but they are probably taking a good look at him after season ending surgery late in the year to his right ACL.

In his favor, the 6-6, 300 lb. Kelly showed relentless hustle and determination in pursuing ball carriers (something his team mates could learn a thing or two about) and played every position, evolved into one of the best tackler on the team, harassed QBs blocked a field goal and garnered 30 take downs.

6-5, 328 lb. Red Bryant out of Texas A& M had another fine season, posting Senior numbers of 54 tackles and 1 sack.

His big wing span let him knock down 9 passes and block 3 kicks in his Collegiant career.

Red is surprisingly fast for his size and combined with his arm strength can get in to disrupt opposing D's.

He had a solid Senior bowl after a disappointing performance against Penn State in the Alamo Bowl.

But, should neither of these players be Oaklands cup of tea or go prematurely, there could be Moore.

At 311 and 6-4, Marylands Dre Moore has a height advantage too. He has great speed, strength and power, but will likely fall due to that height and his tendency to not get down low enough and the fact he hasn't been playing football that long and lacks great technique and instincts.

Can Oakland shore the leaky Raider run D in the later rounds of the Draft? One things for sure, they couldn't do much worse.

* (IF he can come back in the same form, the Raiders would be lucky to have him. Paired with Balmer, Burgess and / or Suggs getting paid and / or a good Linebacker from 08's deep draft and Oakland could improve its Run D drastically.)