Oakland Raiders Establish Identity in Free Agency

Nov 23, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks center Patrick Lewis (65) defends against Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Dan Williams (92) at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Defense

Signing Dan Williams over Terrance Knighton was a good decision for the Raiders because he is a better player. They are both dominant against the run but Williams’ underrated pass-rushing ability is the difference. Williams was among the league’s leaders in pressures by nose tackles while Knighton is a two-down player.

Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton was described by ESPN.com’s Mike Triplett as “just below Pro Bowl level.” The big hitter had 145 tackles in 2014 Del Rio needs in the middle of his defense. He’s already a huge upgrade over 2014 starter Miles Burris, who just isn’t a middle linebaker but with two former NFL linebackers coaching him this year, the 28-year old might make a Pro Bowl.

Free safety Nate Allen is a talented player that can play in box, cover the slot, whatever you need. He had a bad year with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014 but I’m not worried about it so much. Patrick Chung was solid once he left there for the New England Patriots and Raiders fans remember how great Nnamdi Asomugha was great before he got there.

Al Davis is dead so don’t think that the Raiders signed linebacker Malcolm Smith because he’s a Super Bowl MVP. The guy can actually play but couldn’t come back from his offseason ankle surgery the way he wanted. But he will help the Raiders, particularly in coverage, become a much better unit in 2015.

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