In previous years. undrafted free agent phone calls would have begun immediately following the draft. Due to the lockout, these players were forced to wait a lot longer to get that big phone call. Good news is that day could come as early as Friday when the owners meet with the purpose of ratifying a new CBA.
The Raiders have had some success in signing quality undrafted free agents in years past. There are quite a few on the roster currently, some of which are even starters — Tommy Kelly for example. So the undrafted free agent signing frenzy can be quite exciting.
The Raiders focused mainly on offense in this draft, so in the UDFA market, they should focus mainly on defense.
With that in mind, here are the remaining positions that could still use some help and the players available who would be the first phone calls the Raiders make.
Safety
Jerrard Tarrant S Georgia Tech– I had Tarrant pegged for the Raiders since they were about to make their late round four pick. Sporting News had him ranked as the top safety in this draft. Others at very least had him as a mid-round selection. He switched from corner to free safety where he played his final season. His speed and cover abilities will make him an attractive target as a UDFA.
Deunta Williams S North Carolina– Williams fell out of the draft because of a broken leg that kept him from working out for scouts this offseason. He has good size at 6-2, 205 lbs and has a projected 40 time of 4.45. All of these factors make him an ideal steal as a UDFA.
Brian Lainhart S Kent State– Led all active FBS players with 17 career interceptions.
Will Hill S Florida– His athletic skills make him one of those high risk/reward guys. Perfect.
Keanemana Silva S Hawaii– He caught the eye of the Raiders when he ran a 4.44 40 yard dash at his Hawaii Pro Day. He has good size at 6-1, 206 with an astounding 40 inch vertical leap.
Linebacker
Mark Herzlich LB Boston College– He was the story of this year’s class after having overcome cancer only to have not a single team take a chance on him. He would be a great teammate as well as add the depth at strong side linebacker that the Raiders sorely need. He is a no brainer as far as I can tell. But would he choose the Raiders? That’s the question.
Mark Schiechl LB Colorado School of Mines– The Raiders held a private workout for this Division 2 all-time sack leader (46.0). He is also fourth all-time in career tackles for loss (70.5). He is a relentless, high motor performer. At 6-2, 260 lbs he could play 4-3 defensive end, and with more work, he could develop into a 3-4 outside linebacker. Everything checks out for this small school stud to be a steal as a UDFA.
Thomas Keiser LB Stanford– Left Stanford after his junior season (whoops) and didn’t get a chance to show his skills at the combine. A season on the Raiders’ practice squad would do him good.
Defensive line
Brandon Bair DE Oregon– He is ideal for what the Raiders want in a defensive end. He has good size at 6-6, 276, with the frame to add more weight. He showed tremendous speed and perseverance off the edge leading to a second team All-Pac 10 selection; he also helped lead the Ducks defense to the National Championship game. Bair is a lot like Matt Shaughnessy and is a converted tight end like Trevor Scott.
Pierre Allen DE Nebraska– His strength lies in his run defense — an area where the Raiders could use some help.
Ian Williams DT Notre Dame– The Raiders don’t really need a defensive tackle but this middle clogging DT/NT is still out there. They should give him a call.
This article was updated July 21, 2011
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