Oakland continues their rebuilding process with recent free agency acquisitions: QB - Bruce Gradkowski - Signed for $700,000.00 Returning to Oakland, Gradkowski offers solid depth at quarterback for the Raiders. When given an oportunity half way through last season, he led the Raiders to two of their biggest wins against Cincinatti and Pittsburg. Although playing behind one of the league's worst offensive lines, he gave Oakland a glimmer of hope until he was injured in the first half versus Washington. In his four games starting in '09, he went 65-120 for 844 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 1 interception. RB - Michael Robinson - Signed for $300,000.00 An interesting prospect, former Penn State star quarterback Michael Robinson adds another dimension to the Raiders offense. A powerful runner who has also played fullback in the past, Robinson also has a strong arm and ability to throw the ball. With many teams across the league adopting Miami's famed "Wildcat", Robinson presence on the field gives the Raiders that option. Additionally, his profound athletic ability and strength provides Oakland a solid goal line back. FB - Mike Karney - Signed for $300,000.00 A quiet signing in the league, Oakland acquired a young bruiser fullback in Mike Karney. Karney has the size to open up holes in the middle, the mobility to lead the run to the outside, and the hands to catch outlet passes from the backfield when needed. Once a fan favorite in New Orleans, he was cut when the organization decided to go in a new direction with Heath Evans. Oakland looks for Karney to lead the way for their young backs McFadden and Addai splitting carries in the back field. LT - Marcus McNeill - Signed for $7,000,000.00 Once the anchor of San Diego's offensive line, he is a proven commodity at left tackle. At 26 years of age, McNeill has already proven himself in a league where franchise left tackles are hard to come by. Playing through the '06 season with broken hands, he earned a selection to the Pro Bowl where he was referred to as "one of the elite left tackles" in the NFL. He would follow that season with another return to the Pro Bowl after Jonathan Ogden pulled out. Reunited with his former head coach who originally drafted him in 2006, Marty Schottenheimer and the Raiders look for him to secure the rebuilt offensive unit for many years to come. TE - LJ Smith - Signed for $300,000.00 Smith certainly has the size, speed, and hands to help fill a receiving void left by the trade of Zach Miller at the tight end spot. Although not the answer to start full time for the Raiders, his athleticism is worth a spot on the depth chart. WR - Demetrius Williams - Signed for $300,000.00 Adding depth to a young talented receiving corps, Demetrius Williams will be a welcome addition to the Raiders West Coast Offense. While in Baltimore, Williams was nicknamed Spiderman for his sticky hands and athletic moves on the field. WR - Brandon Lloyd - Signed for $300,000.00 Another move by Oakland to add depth at receiver, Brandon Lloyd has been a proven commodity in the past. However, after his concrete first three seasons in San Fransisco, Lloyd's production has slumped off. Some have accredited the slump to the offenses he was a part of, but whatever the case, he will be a nice addition to a developing corps of young receivers. CB - Fabian Washington - Signed for $500,000.00 A former first round pick by the Oakland Raiders, the signing of Fabian Washington went relatively unnoticed. Although he sustained a season ending knee injury last season, the Raiders were willing to take a chance with this 26 year old who once clocked a 4.25 at the combine. With a stable of more than qualified defensive backs in Oakland, Washington will have to earn his playing time over the incumbents Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson as well as the recently acquired Kelvin Hayden. K - Neil Rackers - Signed for $300,000.00 One of the more powerful legs in football, Neil Rackers gives Oakland a huge boost on special teams performance. Not only does he fare well in kickoffs, but within the 50, he's as close to a sure thing as it gets. Missing only one field goal last season, he connected on 16 of 17 leaving him at the top of the percentage board for kickers in the NFL. P - Michael Koenen - Signed for $300,000.00 Although Michael Koenen didn't match the type of season he had in '08 when he set a league record in return yards allowed (49), he finished within the top tier of punters once again. His directional punting and distance control lead to 18 punts within the 20 opposed to only 2 touchbacks in 47 attempts. Koenen will be assuming kick off duty for the Raiders as well after his impressive showing in '09. Averaging 67.1 yards, he racked up 28 touchbacks, only second to Dallas' David Buehler (29). Franchised by the Falcons only one year ago, Koenen is a welcome addition to the Raiders special teams also giving the team a backup option as a field goal kicker.
