Raiders pass rush

March 30, 2008 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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The Oakland Raiders have made numerous off-season additions and they don’t appear to be slowing down yet, even with being dangerously close to the salary cap. The team has signed two defensive lineman over the past couple days and were pretty close to acquiring a third. Out of all the moves they’ve made, these may have been the most beneficial as the Raiders were horrendous at stopping the run last year. Let’s look at the moves.

The first came Friday when the team signed former Detroit Lions’ defensive end Kalimba Edwards. The deal is worth $5 million over 2 years. Edwards was a former 2nd round pick by the Lions but to many fans was considered a huge bust even with 26 sacks over 6 years. Edwards should occupy the role formerly occupied by Chris Clemons who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, which would be a pass-rush specialist to replace Derrick Burgess on the passing downs. There’s also a chance he could jump ahead of Jay Richardson as a starter.

Second move came Sunday as the team signed Akbar Gbaja-Biamila (the brother of KGB in Green Bay), to a 2-year deal. He’s no guarantee to make the team but if he does he’ll be a defensive reserve and also play special teams.

The almost move was the team almost brought back one-time raider Grady Jackson. Jackson now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars. If this move would of happened, Tommy Kelly would of stayed at the defensive end position and Jackson would occupy the middle. Now thou it looks like the team doesn’t want to add another lineman through free agency, even thou Jackson could still really help them out.

If the team decides to add another lineman it would come thru the draft. And I wouldn’t put it pass them to still select LSU DT Glenn Dorsey if he falls to the #4 pick.