Angel
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Oakland Raiders
By ALLEN WILSON
News Sports Reporter
7/5/2006
Key gains: QB Aaron Brooks (Saints), S Michael Huff (Texas), DE Lance Johnstone (Vikings), LB Thomas Howard (UTEP).
Key losses: QB Kerry Collins (released), DT Ted Washington (Browns), DT Ed Jasper (Eagles), CB Charles Woodson (Packers), S Renaldo Hill (Dolphins).
Breakdown: The Raiders' decision to pass on Matt Leinart in the draft was an endorsement of Brooks and last year's second-round pick, Andrew Walter. Johnstone will be a good complement to DE Derrick Burgess (NFL-high 16 sacks in '05). A young secondary got a great first-round addition in Huff, a fast, playmaking safety who can also play cornerback. CBs Tyrone Poole and Duane Starks were free agent flops in New England last year.
Questions: Will Shell bring back the old Raiders' winning attitude? Is the inconsistent Brooks really an improvement over the erratic Collins? Can the Raiders stop the run without Washington and Jasper clogging the middle? Despite athletic additions of Howard and Darnell Bing (USC), linebacker is still a big concern.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060705/6066633.asp