Raiders’ Howard likely the best option for OLB

By Anthony Carroll  |   Wednesday, July 19, 2006  |  Comments( 22 )

Oakland Raiders
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Thomas Howard vs. Sam Williams vs. Darnell Bing

Separating each of the above competitor's names is just 27 career tackles.

Both Howard and Bing were recently selected in the 2006 NFL Draft, acquired via the second and fourth rounds, respectively.

Meanwhile, Sam Williams was chosen in the mid-third round of 2003. Since then, however, injuries to his knee, shoulder, and ankle have limited the linebacker to just 10 career games and 27 total tackles.

With a third--and final--linebacker spot up for grabs next to Kirk Morrison and Danny Clark, Oakland's Napa Valley training complex will field a tight outside linebacker race.

Prior to the commencement of camp, 25-year-old Sam Williams is penciled in as the early starter. Before September 11 disembarks, though, Thomas Howard may take an eraser to the Raiders' depth chart. With an unrivaled combination of speed and size on his side, the 23-year-old rookie may slide easily into Oakland's Week One lineup.

With the UTEP Miners, Howard began his collegiate career as a redshirt freshman in 2002. As a relief linebacker and special teams ace, Howard ended his first season with 31 total tackles. In 2003, as a sophomore, Howard emerged as one of the premier linebackers on the collegiate plane; he recorded 118 total tackles, 11 takedowns for a loss, and a pair of sacks. As a junior, the 240-pounder materialized as the team's most well-rounded defender, hoarding 62 tackles, 14 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, eight sacks, and two interceptions in 12 starts. Finally, in his last season with UTEP, the senior remained at the forefront of the defensive depth chart. Howard started in each of the team's 12 games, putting up 85 tackles (seven for a loss), three sacks, and an interception.

With a quick 6-3, 240-pound build, Howard was considered to be one of the premier linebackers in the '06 draft class. Running a 4.45 40-yard dash at the pre-draft combine, the UTEP prospect was also considered as one of the most athletic defenders in the draft. However, originating from the University of Texas at El Paso, national recognition was hard to come by. Additionally, scouts questioned the strength of opponents faced by Howard in his four-year career. As a result, the versatile linebacker dropped to the early second round, where the Silver and Black decided to outfit him with the No. 53 jersey.

Looking to push ahead of Howard are fellow rookie, Darnell Bing, and oft-injured Sam Williams. Although equally athletic, Bing has never played from the linebacker slot since entering into the football scene. At the University of Southern California, Bing started three years at the safety position, recording 182 tackles and eight interceptions. On the opposite end, Sam Williams has yet to demonstrate that he can dodge injury, missing 38 of 48 games since entering the NFL in 2003.

Beginning July 24, Thomas Howard will have the opportunity to demonstrate how 296 collegiate tackles translate into the NFL.

After the demonstration, don't be surprised if No. 53 runs alongside 52 and 55 this season.

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Anthony Carroll can be contacted at acarroll@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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CommentsComments: 22  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Christafur		10:31 AM
07/19/2006
I truly think the Raiders have one of the best & fastest Linebacker cores in the NFL. We need to just get them ready.I really...
No.2
Big Al		11:41 AM
07/19/2006
I too think that the Raider linebackers can help solidify that defense. The team has needed playmakers at the linebacker...
No.3
frank wiley		11:57 AM
07/19/2006
Don't count out Thomas, Williams, and Morrison.Being a high second rounder Howard figures to play somwhere.I don't think anyone...
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