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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:May 31, 2007
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The Raiders signed DE/DT Tranell Morant from Arizona State.
Morant, the cousin to Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat, was originally a Florida Gator who played in all 11 regular season contests in 2004. He then transferred to Arizona State and set out the 2005 season on the defensive scout team.
He’s a mountain of a man listed at 6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 yard dash from 4.74 to 4.89 seconds. The Raiders site has him listed as a defensive tackle even though he was a defensive end in college.
Coming out of high school, he was rated as the 23rd best defensive end and considering 240 start at the Div I level, that’s not bad.
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Jul 25, 2007
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reminds me of Tommy Kelly. Can play DE or DT. Brought in as an undrafted rookie free agent and really impressed the coaches. Maybe he'll beat out William Joseph & Josh Shaw for a roster spot?
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 6, 2007
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After a some what un-eventful draft I was hoping to see some early and often activity from the Oakland staff bringing on undrafted rookie free agents. Not only has the team brought in plenty of talent to evaluate I feel that they are bringing in quality players. Oaklands early run in the veteran free agent market had me a little skeptical,(you got to admit some of the guys are reaches) but if the Raiders are going to build from with-in and develop talent on their own this is how they are going to have to do it until they get back to winning on a regular basis.
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:May 31, 2007
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Also the Raiders signed undrafted rookie free agent DE Derrick Gray out of Texas Southern on May 9th, 2008. In 2007, he recorded 76 tackles, 24.5 for loss, 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 2, 2007
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sounds like a couple more pieces towards a 34 defense (if they make the roster of course) another undersized DT with speed that would make a 34 end opposite of Tommy Kelly. Of course we still would lack the solid 2 gap DT required and who knows if Hartwell is the answer as another MLB aside Morrison. We also have a slough of players that COULD work at SLB but no stand out starter like Howard on the other side.
All said and done as ive stated before, Derrick Burgess seems to be the odd man out and really, i think, is losing his grasp on a home in Oakland or even more so leverage on a big contract in his latter years.
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Aug 3, 2007
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This kid reminds me of Tommy Kelly also. I think in a couple years if he can devlop solid technique can be an average/above average DE in the NFL. He has the physical tools to become a starter.
Ive been on the trade Derrick Burgess wagon since either me or someone else started it way back but with this draft I seriously doubt we will trade him anytime soon. I think he will be used to develop Trevor Scott, teach him his pass rush techniques as the are similar in build and how they play. Once Scott learns the ropes Burgess will be gone.
I wouldnt doubt it if Scott got alot of playing time this year. He could replace Chris Clemons and actually have a chance to start. A converted TE turned DE and produced alot in two years. Wouldnt doubt it if he could play LB too. He played DE for Buffalo in two years after playing offense for two and is third in sacks for the entire schools history.
I really like his versatility being able to play OLB (4-3 and 3-4) and both DE spots, he is primarily a pass rusher but he knows how to tackle, he needs to hit the weight room, put on a few pounds and obsess over technique and precise pass rushing moves.
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Jul 25, 2007
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This happens to be the final year of Burgess' contract and also the final year of Rob Ryan & many other key def. coaches under him (Millard, Martindale, etc). So if we're switching to a 3-4 defense, NEXT YEAR is the year to do it. Then you can hire coaches that specialize in it and pick up new players, instead of trying to convert a good 4-3 player like D-Burg into a 3-4 player. We'd still need an NT, can Sands or Warren be that guy? I don't think so. How about Grady Jackson or Ted Washington (again)? At 35+ years of age, I think not. We're 4-3 this year and in the future until further notice.
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 31, 2007
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So Morant is Al's new wet dream come true...speed and size, sounds great!!!
Also, Ryan was really talking up Trevor Scott, so his future is looking bright right now...
It seems we are trying to find some QB Killers, and they are much needed...
If Al (not Ryan) lets them blitz, half of our defensive problems will disappear...
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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6′6″ 280 lbs and he runs the 40 from 4
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Apr 4, 2008
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Burgess in fact has 2 years remaining on his contract. And the fact that Al kept Ryan around leads me to believe he will be back as well next year, as long as the defense improves enough. The defensive players like Rob and most of all the young guys have had their entire careers under his coaching. Coaching consistency can never be overstated, which is why I was very happy that Lane stayed.
This is the really encouraging thing about this team, and this defense in particular. Every projected starter is under contract for at least the next two seasons, except for Aso which was already reported they plan to franchise him next season as well in case they can not sign him to a long term deal. In fact, I believe Carlisle is the only projected starter on either side of the ball that is on the last year of his contract. So if we have a decent season and can keep the entire coaching staff in place, Next Year will be the year, for possibly far more success.
And enough talk about the 3-4. its not gonna happen. We don't have the NT and we don't have the linebackers. And the coaches obviously don't want to switch at this point. Fact is that as long as Richardson becomes the player I think he will, this defense can be elite.
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