Raiders’ Tommy Kelly should stay inside in 2006

By Anthony Carroll  |   Wednesday, June 14, 2006  |  Comments( 13 )

Oakland Raiders
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"Hey, I didn't know Warren Sapp switched his number..."

He didn't, that minicamp snapshot is focused on Tommy Kelly.

Kelly, who seemingly resembles No. 99 in appearance this offseason, may need to take some of that similitude to the playing field in '06.

Despite a highly-touted defensive draft, the Oakland Raiders have left behind much to be desired on the interior of their defensive front. Warren Sapp, who is allegedly recovering hastily from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for six games in 2005, remains a dependable option up front. That is, of course, if he stays healthy for 16 weeks of action. The 33-year-old holds a prominent NFL track record as a defensive tackle, posting 472 tackles, 84.5 sacks, and even four interceptions in his two-team career. Last season, Sapp was quickly progressing after a disappointing 2004 campaign, hoarding 32 tackles and five sacks before his season-ending injury. Nevertheless, the 300-pounder's progress is something that has and will continue to be watched closely over in Oakland.

With already a medical-induced question mark slapped between the numbers of Warren Sapp, the man lined up beside 99 will serve an even larger role. Who that man will be, however, is something that remains up in the air.

Adjacent Sapp, Oakland's current roster holds five other tackle options. Among the bottom of the barrel of current options sits Michael Quarshie, a 26-year-old who has seen limited time in his first season in Oakland. For much of 2005, the Erlangen, Germany native remained on the team's developmental program list, finishing with 11 tackles and one sack in first season with the Frankfurt Galaxy.

Another Galaxy member, Anttaj Hawthorne, also sits as an intriguing option to fill in the number two slot up front. However, after finishing a long title-winning season in NFL Europe, Hawthorne's sail may still be weathered by the time Week One of the regular season rolls around. He finished his stint overseas with 28 regular season tackles and two sacks--bolstering a first-ranked rushing defense that allowed just 52 yards per game. Essentially, Hawthorne brings tremendous upside and potential to the Raiders' roster; however, resting a full-time workload on the 24-year-old's shoulders is, at this point in time, unrealistic.

Remaining in the defensive tackle pool are 26-year-old Terdell Sands and 27-year-old Rashad Moore. Of the two, Moore seems more serviceable than Sands. The 324-pounder joined Oakland from Seattle this offseason after a 2005 season void of action. The Raiders' front office inked Moore to a one-year contract with a base salary of $460,000, weary of his injury-laden past. Like Warren Sapp, if Moore can steer clear of any major injuries throughout the course of 2006, he could pan out to become a Derrick Burgess-like signing. Nevertheless, again, the "if" statement is something Oakland should look to avoid at an ever-important tackle slot.

The leaves us with Tommy Kelly--a hybrid defensive lineman who has jumped in and out over the past two seasons. In his short career, the Mississippi State grad has put up notable totals, tallying 65 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles in 26 games. Last season, the 25-year-old lined up as a starter nine times at end and four at tackle, finishing third on the team in sacks and tenth in total tackles. He originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Raiders prior to the 2004 season and, in that season, seemingly made a play virtually every snap he lined up. After following up with another impressive sophomore campaign, lining Kelly up as a starter on the young Oakland defense may be in team's future agenda.

Where that alignment places Kelly, however, is something yet to be determined.

At 6-5, 300-pounds, Kelly holds the frame of either a quick defensive tackle or run-stuffing end. Kelly is identical in weight to teammate Warren Sapp and plays with much of the same quickness as his colleague. However, placing two of the same frames up front could possibly spell trouble for the Silver and Black. Yet, even with mammoth 365-pound Ted Washington sitting beside Sapp over the past two seasons, Oakland's defense has struggled in the run-stuffing department. Last season, the team allowed 128.1 ground yards per game, positioning them 25th on the NFL ranking sheet. Furthermore, in 2004, it was much of the same, letting in 125.8 yards per game--a total good for just 22nd in the NFL.

Additionally, with last year's acquisition of Derrick Burgess, this year's hoist of Lance Johnstone, and Tyler Brayton moving back to the line, reps at end for Kelly may slowly diminish.

With few options left on the table for Oakland to consume, 300-pound Tommy Kelly may establish himself as the superior of the defensive tackle bundle.

Inside out, Kelly has the ability to play anywhere upfront for the Oakland Raiders.

In 2006, though, he may just need to stay inside.

Anthony Carroll can be contacted at acarroll@realfootball365.com

Get more on Tommy Kelly and Warren Sapp at Realfootball365.com
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About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
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