Mykle VanHausen

There is no question Lance Briggs would contribute to a solid and seemingly precarious Linebacking corps in Oakland, likley securing them at the position for the forseeable future.

Unfortunately, this scenario and current rumor de jour, is like most rumors, highly unlikely given the facts.

Time.

Time is on Oakland's side with 2 of the most productive young Line backers in the league.

With 3 years experience between them, they've combined for nearly 350 stops.

Morrison's two stellar season in Silver and Black had him tallying 116 tackles his 05 rookie year and another 127 in 06'.

The 6-2 240 lb. tackling machine added a sack and 3 fumble recoveries to his 2 year production and shows no sign of slowing down.

Taken 78th overall in the 3rd round out of San Diego State, Morrison has been dynamite and instrumental to Oakland's top rated Defense.

Nearly matching Morrison's productivity was instant starter Thomas Howard out of UTEP.

Selected 38th overall in the 2nd round of the 06' draft, Howard saw duty immediately in the Silver and Black's Infernal Machine and produced 110 tackles in his inaugural year.

The incredibly athletic and solid Howard checks in at 6-3, 242 and is expected only to get better.

Even with the spectacular success of Oaklands rookie Linebacking drafts, they remain on paper, thin at the position and signing Briggs would certainly provide them alot more than a security net.

The case for.

Injuries and inexperience are all wild cards for Oaklands second tier.

Sam Williams was unusually nimble and quick for his size (at 6-5, 260) and for a Linebacker when taken by the Raiders 83rd overall in the 3rd round of the 2003 draft, but serious knee injuries have allowed the NFL to pass him by and Thomas Howard will likley be the speedy, all over the field, Backer the Raiders had in mind when Williams was first drafted.

Williams did show production last year registering 44 tackles, but the ship has sailed on Williams becoming a starter in Oakland barring injury.

The weak side starter will probably be veteran (compared to the rest of Oaklands baby faced Linbacking corps) 6 year man Robert Thomas out of UCLA.

The 6-0 235 lb. Thomas began his career with St. Louis and played from 2002 through the 2004 season with them before moving onto the Cheese heads of Green Bay for the 05 season.

Thomas has been fairly decent, aquiring 240 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and an interception.

Hes a fairly reliable, serviceable player but certainly not a Thomas, Morrison or Briggs.

3rd year men Isiaih Ekejiuba and Chris Clemons, 2nd year man Ricky Brown out of Boston College and long shot Kurt Campbell (a 7th rounder who spent 2 years on IR in Green Bay and was released, then aquired by the Raiders) are the basic components of Oaklands Linebacker reserves except for...

The "tweeners"

Usually they never quite excel at either posistion they are supposedly suited for, but can sometimes serve in multiple roles with out terribly disasterous results.

Of course, Jack of all trades master of none, 6-6, 280 lb. Tyler Brayton has been know to step in at LB on occasion but with little success.

The true indicator of Braytons failure to thrive is his career best shot on an opponent will likley be the returned groin kick to former Seattle tight end Jeramy Stephens.

Nuff said.

The puzzling season long IR of 6-2, 230lb. Safety Darnell Bing out of Champion breeder USC, fueled rumors and speculation he would be moved pssibly because his perceived lack of coverage skills in the secondary would be more than adequate at Linebacker and is known for crushing hits.

In fact, he was listed at LB in 06' and presumably in 07', but under Kiffin's watch, he is now rostered back at Safety.

Daring speculators and innovators picture 3rd round steal Quentin Moses ( a supposed bookend for All Pro Derrick Burgess at Defensive End) filling the Linebacker spot on occasion in Oakland.

Moses fits the current Raider Linebacking form weighing in at 248lbs, but at Defensive end is positionally under sized.

Although he has excellent short range burst and exceptional "Jason Tayloresque" pass rushing capabilities.

He makes more sense at LB given his current limitations, which include.

Strength.

He only lifted the bar 17 times at the combine.

He has room to grow and will need to put on another 20 lbs of bulk if hes to keep from being ridden out of plays.

Stamina.

He tires quickly, fades in later quarters.

Technique.

Hes a rookie and needs polish on his rip, club move, ect.

All of these indicate Quentin Moses as a situational presence at End for the time being, but could be a serious rotational contributor, as some suspect, at Linebacker.

Alas, having dispelled the misconception Oakland is terribly thin at Linebacker, the final reason Lance Briggs won't be wearing the Silver and Black anytime soon is, in the end, in todays NFL, some players greatest concern is the almighty dollar.

Oakland and most teams would certainly benefit from a player of Briggs' caliber.

There is no doubt as part of the Infernal Machine with Morrison, Howard and Briggs Oakland would be formidible, but having turned down a 7 year $33 million dollar contract offer from Chicago, the cap cautious Raiders simply won't be able to afford him.

Number 1 draft pick Jamarcus Russell is reportedly expecting nearly $30 million dollars in guaranteed money alone at his June signing.

Couple that with QB basher extrodinaire Derrick Burgess' rumored hold out and the Raiders will simply be out of ducketts.

If indeed it is Briggs' intent to cash in, he won't be doing it in Oakland.

till.death.do.us.part

Good article Mykle. Nice read.

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bonds=cheat to win