Free Agency and Draft Wrap
Coach Movements -
Anthony Lewis Joins the Raiders as Backfield coach from the Wraiths after an extensive search.
The position was made vacant by the retirement of Henry Willbanks who finishes his career with a 105-51-2 W/L across three teams
Draft
1.6 Douglas Clark - LB - Georgia Tech
A capable pass rushing LB with great coverage skills especially in zone defenses, Clarks skill disrupting receivers at the line of scrimmage and run defense should allow him to step into any LB role and be effective. Training camp showed the former Yellow Jacket to be as advertised
2.5 Darrell Corey - DB - Arkansas
Corey's speed and elite coverage skills in both man and zone defenses coupled with his high intelligence were coveted by many teams however question marks about his ability to finish tackles led to a slide into the second round. Training camp has seen an slight improvement in his tackling ability and the regular season will give Darrell a chance to prove the doubters wrong
3.6 Jamie Larson - WR - Michigan State
The first of three high upside receivers selected by the Raiders. Larson shone in training camp displaying sticky hands, evasiveness at the line and a natural talent run blocking.
3.8 Joshua Hartwell - WR - UNLV
The former Rebel came in with some of the pass catching hands seen at the college level, however doubts persist about his ability to hold on after the catch as his loose holding running style could spell trouble at the pro level. Hartwell picked up the route tree without trouble and looks to be a solid target for second year QB's Mentzer and Kelley
4.5 Joshua Ryan - WR - Washington State
Ryan came from the cougars with question surrounding his height and ability to transition to a pro style system. After training camp the only question is how scouts missed the first round talent out of the northwest. After a blazing showing in camp J Ryan could be the most Pro ready WR in the class despite having 14 wideouts selected before him.
4.7 William Dinan - CB - Tennessee State
Dinan was selected based on his strong man to man skills and ability to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. After a rough training camp he can expect to be used as a role player but did not flash the abilities of a starter and will need to prove himself useful if he is to avoid being buried on the depth chart.
5.2 Paul Buzbee - FS - Clemson
Buzbee lacks elite level speed which led to his drop into the 5th round, throughout training camp he has shown a solid skill set and a high level football IQ. If the 6'0 Buzbee wants to remain relevant in the league he'll need to show he can use that intellect to overcome his drawbacks and adapt to a pro system
5.5 Darren Shin - OL - Penn State
Shin has all the physical tools but his poor showing in training camp means that unless there are major injuries during the preseason he won't make the final 53
6.5 Dale Randles - K - Maryland
Randles was brought in as competition to 7yr vet Shirley Alleman, after an accurate training camp he will be pushing to take the starting job should his preseason go well.
7.6 Michael Atwood - OL - Purdue
Atwood has shown great use of hands and leverage against the pass rush during camp however he remains under strength for an offensive lineman and will likely be used in a backup role .
Free Agency
Resigned
Charles Vierra - DE
Bobby Truax - LB
Ken Smith - WR/RB
Ron Parrish - LB
Ben Moore - RB
Michael Miller - DT
Albie Horvath - SS/FS
Notable additions
Calvin Edmundson - WR Brought in to provide leadership to the young WR corps, Edmundson has found himself the odd man out after the strong showing of the rookie WR's
Julius Ried - FB/TE Depth Signing
