What goes, what stays on Oakland’s early depth chart

By Anthony Carroll  |   Thursday, August 03, 2006  |  Comments( 24 )

Oakland Raiders
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In anticipation of Sunday's nationally televised meeting with Philadelphia, the Oakland Raiders released their first depth chart of the young 2006 season.

Not surprisingly, Aaron Brooks ranks at the top of the quarterbacks, while Marques Tuiasosopo is the backup holder on extra points.

For the moment, though, the alignment leaves the door open for several players to make a move upwards, while others are vulnerable to a drop.

Prior to the kickoff of the team's first exhibition matchup, let's take a quick look at three areas of the depth chart that standout--two of which will likely change come Week One of the regular season.

Changes: Danny Clark is on the bench, Sam Williams is on the field

A three-year, 27-tackle stat table headlined by three major injuries earned Sam Williams a fourth-year starting slot at outside linebacker. Meanwhile, second-year standout Kirk Morrison made room for Williams and rookie Thomas Howard on the outside, shifting inside to his natural position. Morrison's nudge inside--following a team-leading 116-tackle campaign--is a well-justified decision for head coach Art Shell and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. However, replacing the hole left behind with 26-year-old Williams is a move much less permissible. Danny Clark, at 29 years old, has done nothing but produce since joining the Silver and Black. Behind a less-than-stellar defensive front, the 245-pounder has registered 242 tackles in 31 starts over two seasons with the Raiders.

After proving last season to be a valuable asset alongside young linebacker Kirk Morrison, expect Clark to push forcefully back into the lineup, inside or out.

Stays: Doug Gabriel is the second wide receiver behind Randy Moss

Jerry Porter may find a home at the number two slot in 2006. That home, however, likely won't be in Oakland. Owner Al Davis recently clarified his stance on the situation, commenting, "If someone would make an offer and he gave back the bonus he took, we'd consider it." Currently, Atlanta, Green Bay, and Philadelphia top the list of potential suitors to swap a pick or player in exchange for Porter.

Meanwhile, three-year veteran wideout Doug Gabriel is on the upswing of his young NFL career. Over the past two seasons, the Central Florida grad has posted 1,105 yards and five touchdowns on 70 receptions. Quietly, Gabriel has assumed a larger role in each of his first three seasons, debuting on kick returns as a rookie. Heading into his fourth season, Gabriel is penciled in as the early starter behind All-Pro Randy Moss.

No surprise to see No. 85 do the math and one-up No. 84.

Changes: No. 36 sits atop No. 24

Over the past five seasons, strong safety Derrick Gibson has done little to demonstrate his first-round worth. Furthermore, he has done little to prove he can compete alongside a third-round draft choice. With Michael Huff, a seventh overall choice, lurking behind, don't expect Gibson to break his previous trend. Huff has the athletic capacity to play anywhere in the secondary; however, for both Huff and Oakland, finding a niche deep at strong safety is a requisite.

Currently, No. 36 is listed above the 23-year-old rookie on Oakland's training camp depth chart. For Gibson, though, only a photograph can save the moment.

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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: 24  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
One Eyed Bandit		08:47 AM
08/03/2006
OH Yes, Doug Gabriel and Randy Moss yes we have seen it all before. Can you say Mervin Fernandez and Willie Gualt boyz and...
No.2
The Prophet!!!		10:09 AM
08/03/2006
One eye you may want to open up the other one. The TE and the middle of the field needs to be utilized more. This will soften the...
No.3
randy		10:10 AM
08/03/2006
You are so wrong comparing Gault to MOSS and Fernandess to Gabriel the guys we have now are way better and football is all about...
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