Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly told the Oakland Tribune he is “assuming” the team will stick with a 4-3 defense based on meetings in the first week of the offseason program.
The Raiders’ scheme had had a mystery about it because new coach Dennis Allen said the team hadn't decided on what defensive front to use. He said a decision would be made after the draft. But Allen has said the team would use multiple fronts and that is possible because Oakland has a lot of versatile defensive players.
I believe him, but a team has to have a base defense and there have been indications it will remain a 4-3. The truth is, few (if any) players taken with the No. 95 pick in the draft would have any bearing on an entire defensive scheme this far along in the offseason.
The Raiders gave a strong hint they would stay a 4-3 defense when they signed strongside linebacker Philip Wheeler. He is considered a pure 4-3 player.
In other AFC West news:
Denver is reportedly showing interest in Chicago free agent defensive tackle Amobi Okoye. The Broncos just visited with defensive tackle Justin Bannan, who previously played in Denver.
Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer is excited about the Raiders’ playbook. It is Palmer’s first foray into the West Coast offense.
Kansas City receiver Dwayne Bowe likes what he sees from the Chiefs’ free-agent additions.
Former Denver cornerback Jonathan Wilhite signed with Chicago.
John Elway is among the Broncos looking at Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler on Friday. I could see Denver jumping on Osweiler as a project in the third round.
Dennis Allen talks about the challenges of being a head coach in a radio interview.