Raiders Finally Add Some Defense

Len Panquerelli informs us that the Raiders have picked up Eagles defensive end Derrick Burgess, signing him to a five year, $17.5 million deal. He had a very good post-season with the birds this year, recording three sacks in the NFC title game and Super Bowl. It's hardly a blockbuster move for Oakland, and we'll have to wait and see whether he develops into a great DE/LB for us or is another Larry Brown. Here's what Scouts Inc. thinks of him:

"Burgess is very active, plays with a nonstop motor and is a solid one gap defender. He is not an explosive edge rusher that can beat tackles with pure speed, but he does have a quick first step and is so tenacious that he is tough to keep blocked. He does a nice job with his hands, plays with good leverage and is at his best on the move when he is involved with line stunts and penetrating inside. On the edge, he works tackles with double moves and is relentless in pursuit. He can hang in there at the point of attack vs. the run against most teams, but gets engulfed by the elite power running teams and tackles in this game. He is active, but not overly physical and if he gets locked up and you run right at him, his quickness and athleticism can be neutralized. If he gets caught in a double team, he is in trouble as he is not strong enough to stack, shed and slip through. He is a better pass rusher at this point than he is a run stopper, but he is only 27 and there is room to develop if he can remain healthy."