Addition by Subtraction? Oakland Raiders Make Way For New Blood

By MikeBullock  |   Tuesday, March 09, 2010  |  Comments( 8 )

Oakland Raiders
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After overspending with the re-signing of kicker Sebastian Janikowski, it seems Al Davis has decided to cut loose some other players before adding to the Oakland Raider’s 2010 roster.

Justin Fargas was the first to feel the ax fall, after failing a physical due to knee injuries. Fargas has been a solid contributor to Oakland’s run game over the last several seasons, however his inability to remain healthy (arguably due to his running style, which earned him the nickname ‘crash test dummy’) has blemished what would otherwise have been a stellar career. Fargas is one of the few members of Oakland’s offense during the seven year drought that seems to embody what being a Raider is all about.

Next in line to meet the Turk was the overly dramatized Javon Walker. While many, including Davis, still believe Walker has the physical skills to be an all-pro wideout in this league, it seems Walker’s will to win died with his former teammate Darrent Williams. Walker and Williams were good friends and many who know Walker personally attest the brilliant receiver never recovered from the tragic loss of Williams. Davis seemed convinced he could motivate Walker to move on, but has so far been unsuccessful. Nagging hamstring and knee injuries have plagued Walker during his time with the silver and black, however, the spiritual injury seems far more detrimental to the former Pro Bowl target of Brett Favre.

Greg Ellis was also let loose after a semi productive year in Oakland. For the first half of the season, Ellis was a force to be reckoned with, but soon got too nicked up to continue at that caliber. Ellis led the Cowboys in sacks the year before, with eight, and brought seven to the Raider defense in 2009. Knee injuries that Ellis could not seem to overcome are to blame for his release.

However, when it comes to free agent signings, crickets are chirping at 1220 Harbor Bay Parkway. Maybe Davis is eyeing the rookie pool for rebuilding?

While many mock drafts have Oakland taking an offensive lineman with the #8 pick in next month’s draft, history would dictate that Al Davis already has already locked onto yet another offensive rocket, Jacoby Ford of Clemson. Ford tied for the fastest 40 time of any receiver in history at last month’s scouting combine, has never had trouble catching the ball, can operate out of the backfield and is a serious weapon in the return game. In fact, Ford is everything Darrius Heyward-Bey should have been to warrant such a high pick. After the debacle that was Oakland’s last first round offensive lineman selection, it’s hard to imagine them taking a guard or tackle with this year’s pick.

Now that the first wave of talent is off the free agency list, Oakland had better get in gear if they plan to improve the offensive line, defensive line and secondary. Players they could still target are all-pro center Kevin Mawae, guards Chester Pitts and Bobbie Williams, running back Thomas Jones as well as linebacker Keith Bulluck.

Other possibilities include Larry Johnson and LT. Both have a solid understanding of division opponents and have chips on their shoulders when it comes to their former teams.

Rumors are flying that Oakland is in the LaDanian Tomlinson sweepstakes. Adding a player that terrorized Oakland over the course of his career is certainly a move Al Davis has made in the past (Bill Romanowski, for instance). But, LT is not the lead back the Raider’s need at this point in time and obviously, neither is Darren McFadden or Michael Bush. Without Fargas, an ailing backfield from last year will be even less likely to return to prominence in 2010.
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