Watchmans Raider Review March 29th - That Old (Silver And) Black Magic

[the watchman]

For one moment you could almost be back in the 1970's. The Raiders, famed for turning around outcasts, rebels and underperformers into highly effective players, hope their old magic works on DE Kalimba Edwards who signed a 2 year $5m deal.

The former Lions player wad drafted in the second round by Detriot back in 2002. He started last season with a bang recording 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery against.........yeah you know it was the Raiders. He went onto play on a further 7 games but was troubled by a knee injury missing 4 games and then being benched, actually inactive for the last 4 games.

Edwards has 22 starts in 87 league games, recording 26 sacks (in 6 years), 10 forced fumbles, 6 recovered fumbles.

Here's my take, physically the guy has all he needs to be successful. He's 6'6, 265 pounds with good speed. When he comes to play the guy is a handful. I just don't know if he is motivated enough to bring his A game on every down.

In the off-season the Raiders have addressed the D-line, bringing in first round pick Walter Joseph and now Edwards besides re-signing Kelly.

Does that mean the D-Line is fixed? Nope not yet. I think there is still one piece missing and thats another stud DT for the middle of the line.

If the Raiders front office think this signing means they can wait on addressing further defensive needs then they are wrong. I know it's a cliche but "Defence Wins Championships" (a big thanks to the Giants for reminding everyone of that) and ours is not yet there. Going into the draft I think we are set in the secondary, but having a great secondary counts for nothing if the opposing QB gets all time to throw and Running Backs average 5 yards + per carry.

Dorsey and Ellis would be top of my draft board and I hope to see one of them in Silver and Black next year.

[Aeyjay]

The good thing about the Edwards signing is it is only a 2 year deal and if he blossoms we get the benefit and a chance to resign him like Burgess did and if he is a bust then it doesn't cause long term damage. Personally I'm not against the move but wll withhold judgement until the regular season and judge him on results.

[the watchman]

I'm open minded and would love the to work out, unfortunately the evidence seems to suggest he'll be a bit part player. But hey he's not that expensive.

[R8RMR]

We do seem to have depth at DE and we do need someone or two at DT. Though Dorsey or Ellis would be great acquisitions we still need to get someone for Left Tackle and that could be Jake Long.

[the watchman]

and then move Harris to the right? might be an idea...