Write On Sports LLC - "Raiders seek "The Edge" former Raven phenom signs with Oakland" by Mykle Van Hausen

Raiders seek "The Edge" former Raven phenom signs with Oakland

2008-05-05 23:30:13 | By: Mykle Van Hausen

Edgerton Hartwell was a dominant force at Linebacker until an injury he suffered in 2005.

The 30 yr old hasn’t been the same since.

Originally taken by the Balitmore Ravens 31st in the 4th round of the 2001 Draft, Hartwell racked up over 190 tackles in 2002.

Despite great numbers, he toiled in the shadow of team mate Ray Lewis, which may help to explain why after 4 yrs racking up tackles in a Ravens uniform, the then Unrestricted Free Agent jumped ship March 21st of 2005 and signed a 6 yr. deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

Unfortunately, by November 12th he was on Injured Reserve.

The 6-1, 250 lb Hartwell started 8 games in the 06' season, but again succumbed to injuries, suffering knee problems. He finished with 56 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble, but was released by Atlanta March 2nd 2007.

May 12th the Cincinnati Bengals seemed interested and signed the FA to a 1 year contract, but was released Sept. 1st. The writing on the wall came Aug. 21st when the Bengals signed former Redskin LB Lamar Marshall, a LB who’s versatile and can be a contributor on special teams.

Hartwell was expected to take over Weak side duties for Landon Johnson, but was unable to, prompting many to think he may no longer be able to cut it in the NFL.

The Raiders didn’t think so and signed the gritty tackling machine to a 1 year contract this Saturday according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Raiders have had success singing players with serious prior leg injuries, last years Center Jeremy Newberry being a prime example and most feel “the Edge” will hold down the fort as a veteran back up for Capn’ Kirk Morrison at MLB and hopefully challenge former UCLA 1st round draft pick Robert Thomas for the “Sam” or Strong side Linebacker position.

Some speculate, if Hartwell is healthy enough, the Raiders may employ an occasional 3-4 Defensive set that might feature both Morrison and Hartwell on the field at the same time.

The Raiders aren’t running a major risk in hiring Hartwell and they have a reputation for resurrecting careers. If Hartwell can return to some kind of form matching the Baltimore phenom he was in 02', it could go a long way toward shoring Oaklands terrible run defense.

If not, he may have to come to terms with the fact his NFL career might be over.