July 3, 2008
Oakland Raiders camp battles: Defensive Ends- Kalimba Edwards and Jay Richardson compete to rush the passer opposite Derrick Burgess
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The camp battles series continues here at TFDS, as we move on to the defensive ends. This is a position where depth is essential, and earlier in the offseason there was a dearth of depth in this position. The Raiders have added bodies, but the question is whether or not they will be able to rush the passer and contain the opposing running game. I was rather hard on the defensive tackle crew yesterday, because the run defense in Oakland has been a sieve for the last several seasons. The ends share in that responsibility, and Derrick Burgess is a two time pro bowler as a pass rusher, who is not as great against the run. Other than Burgess, the ends are a veritable Who's Who of Who's that? That is not to say that someone won't step up and show that they can get it done, as Chris Clemons came out of nowhere last season to tie Burgess for the team lead in sacks. Camp will tell a lot about how this position will shake out.
Projected Starters: Derrick Burgess and Jay Richardson
Derrick Burgess is a two time pro bowler who fell off a bit last year due to injuries, but has shown that he will make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Despite rumors that he has been unhappy with his contract, he has shown up at the mandatory minicamps and is expected to be in training camp on time. Jay Richardson was a sixth round pick last season who played well enough to beat out a third round pick for the job. The reports are that he is working hard to improve upon his game.
Projected Depth: Kalimba Edwards, Greg Spires, and Trevor Scott
At the defensive end position, the depth players are important role players. Kalimba Edwards will likely be used as a pass rusher and replace Richardson on third downs. Spires will be used to give breathers at either end position when needed. Trevor Scott has only played defensive end for a year and a half in college after being converted from tight end. He showed a knack for rushing the passer in that short time, and will likely be brought along to be developed as a pass rush specialist for the future.
Outside Looking In: Derrick Grey and Greyson Gunheim
With Scott having been a sixth round pick, and thus a low investment for the Raiders either of these guys could step up to supplant him. This is a position where an undrafted free agent such as these guys have a fairly clear path to make the team. Gunheim is a local guy from Sebastapol, California, which could help him become a fan favorite if he shows any promise at all in preseason. Grey had 9.5 sacks in his college career.
What to look for:
This is a position where there is a lot of potential for upheaval. Derrick Burgess is the only true lock for much of anything. Beyond him, just about anything can happen. Jay Richardson's development will be interesting to watch, as he will be pushed by Spires and Edwards at least. Its very likely that at least one of the three rookies will break camp in Silver and Black.
WildCard:
The first of the wild cards are the three rookies that are competing for at least one spot, and none of the rookies were highly touted picks. This could also mean that a vet could be brought into camp to add to the competition. Burgess is coming off of a year in which he was hampered by injuries and there have been whispers that he is not happy with his contract. If Burgess goes down, the Raiders are in trouble.
Battling the precamp doldrums by examining camp battles here at TFDS
Discussion
12 Comments on "Oakland Raiders camp battles: Defensive Ends- Kalimba Edwards and Jay Richardson compete to rush the passer opposite Derrick Burgess"
#1
Posted by KUSHMAN, July 3, 2008 7:34 AM
good article! i dont believe burgess will go down.. he knows what needs to be done. he knows that if he puts pressure on QBs we're facing this year such as tom brady, jeff garcia, drew brees, somewhat rookies like trent edwards and possibly joe flacco(smith) ... that will make them force passes and cause many interceptions this year, as our backfield will take care of the rest once the line DOES THEIR JOB, which i think we will certainly do this year. i can really picture kalimba edwards and burgess putting all kinds of hands on QBs .. and i think croyle will GO DOWN A LOT both time we play the chiefs.
#2
Posted by pat. T, July 3, 2008 7:56 AM
I also think(and hope) Derrick Burgess should have a great year... His contract year is coming up and he knows that the chances are if he gets double digit sacks this season, Al Davis will practically be forced to give him a new contract(very deserving)... I also see Klimba Edwards being a good SITUATIONAL DE... I dont think he's and every down type player... I think he will turn into a pass rushing specialist... And Greg Spires will come in to relive Burgess, sometimes on running plays... Or on long drives... And obviously Jay Richardson will be in for running plays, but i hope he can turn into an every down DE... In which i've heard he's been working on his pass rushing moves... I think anything above4 sacks would be good for him... And anything above 6 sacks would be an AWESOME YEAR... Maybe even enough for a new contract, or at least to get the talking started... As for Trevor Scott he could turn into a great pass rusher and with a Probowl DE like Derrick Burgess he should learn a couple of new moves and ways to get to the opposing QB's... And like Kushman said if we put pressure on opposing QB's then our secondary should a field day with the balls thrown their way as well as the "Law Firm"... And you know if the ball gets to the hands of a guy like DeAngelo Hall(a great returner) he's thinking 6 points... As well as Thomas Howard like we saw this past season... Can't wait 'til the season starts... So we dont have to speculate so much, but the two articles have been pretty good on the DT & DE...
GO RAIDERS!!!
#3
Posted by Raider Raul, July 3, 2008 10:28 AM
PP,
Thanks for doing all you can to keep us entertained during this slowest time in the NFL!!
I suspect Burgess will have a comeback year and record 12-14 sacks. Jay Richardson is always getting extra work in before games, and truly loves the game. he will have a good year, too. I know it was the previous article, but so much of our success rides on our DT's.
#4
Posted by KA1Z3R, July 3, 2008 11:18 AM
Richardson's been working very hard on his pass rush and will be in on more plays and get more chances to show the rush he's been trying to develop. Kiffin says he, Russell, and Curry are always at the facility working out.
#5
Posted by Raider Raul, July 3, 2008 11:56 AM
PP,
When you get to the linebackers, make sure you give #53 T How MAJOR props. He is my favorite playa on D for sure!!
#6
Posted by Snowyfish, July 3, 2008 1:42 PM
Loving the position by position guides lads!
Quick question from a UK fan who can't get to see Raider games on a regular basis, any chance of an article looking at the defence overall last season and how it fell from being one of the top ranked the year before to such a lowly position last year. What was the big difference??
Over here we don't get the same level of coverage and can't see the games to tell for ourselves!
Other than that your guides are doing a great job clueing us overseas fans up and giving us the inside scoop! Keep it up!
#7
Posted by LDizzle, July 3, 2008 1:55 PM
Snowyfish I hate to say this but the defense from the previous year was a fraud. They only looked good because the offense was so bad that teams knew they didn't need to pass the ball and once they scored two TDs they could sit back and run the clock out.
#8
Posted by LDizzle, July 3, 2008 1:57 PM
I think Kalimba will be backing up Burgess and only team up with Burgess on the opposite side on obvious passing downs. Otherwise it is Richardson and Spires one the left side and Burgess and Edwards on the right. That is how i see it going down.
#9
Posted by LDizzle, July 3, 2008 2:06 PM
Oh and Patrick? Richardson was a 5th round pick not a 6th rounder. In fact he was the first of two 5th rounders last year (the 2nd was Eric Frampton)
Trevor Scott = Jared Allen (both converted TE that blew up as DEs)
#10
Posted by KA1Z3R, July 3, 2008 3:09 PM
Scott played in a weak conference and hasn't had any competition. You can't judge his NFL stats by his NCAA stats at all. The MAC is a very weak conference. I honestly think Scott won't be around for long.
#11
Posted by Rob Calonge, July 3, 2008 4:41 PM
Snowyfish - look for something like that prior to the season. I don't know when, but I know we'll be breaking down last year before the season.
#12
Posted by sebastapol, July 28, 2008 7:17 PM
[...] which could help him become a fan favorite if he shows any promise at all in preseason. ...http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/2008/07/03/oakland-raiders-camp-battles-defensive-ends-kalimba-edwards-an...Sebastopol California, Gateway to the Sonoma Wine Country and Apple ...Sebastopol California. The [...]
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