Hue Jackson called Matt Shaugnessy last year’s Most Improved Player. It appears Lamarr Houston is on track for that distinction in 2011 and the season hasn’t even kicked of yet, let alone the lockout lifted.
The second-year defensive lineman is thought to become one of the best at his position according to Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc.
Further, ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson (no relation. . . I don’t think) pegged Houston as one of the biggest future stars in the division.
The latter Williamson categorizes Houston as a versatile player who can play in virtually every defensive situation.
That’s a big compliment.
Houston finished his rookie season with five sacks, 39 tackles and forced fumble. He started all but one game as a rookie.
It still all come to the offensive line. If there isn’t any improvement with the quality of starting offensive lineman they will be 8 and 8 again. I just can’t understand Al and his lack of choosing offensive lineman in the early rounds. When you look at the past great teams the o/line was always outstanding and it was made from drafted players not free agents. I just don’t see quality starters again this year on the o/line. I hope I am wrong, but when you are talking about possibly starting three rookies or new players with a shorten preseason, that is a problem. Campbell could be running for his life again this year….Run blocking will be okay, but not pass blocking…
If we move Branch to FS and Mitchell to SS, we will have 2 really mean nasty hitters on the field all the time to compliment Seymour and Co.
I truly believe Lamar Houston and Mike Mitchell will be the big difference makers on this defense. Along with McLain’s progress, this defense is going to be something to be reckoned with. These 3 players are going to be the keys. Mitchell explodes through the tackle and will be a great player given the opportunity. Even with the loss of Namdi, the Raiders are still going to be great in the defensive backfield. The reason is Al Davis loves taking db’s in the draft, he always takes one or two in the draft. Raiders are very close to becoming an elite team!
Houston is going to be a beast! I loved reading the news last year about him starting fights at training camp by knocking players to the ground. He brings out a good nasty streak in the defense especially with Mcclain body slamming a guy and seymour decking big ben! There is a lot of talk about the offensive line becoming a bully but it would be nice if the defensegot that label too!
2010 was an awesome draft!
Lamarr has a nastiness about him and he is a very tough player, something you don’t see from first and second year players very often. He’s a great talent for being picked up in the mid second round. Raiders really did their homework drafting Houston, the Raiders traded back twice in the second round and still got him. Maybe he has a chip on his shoulders for not being selected in the first round, because he has first round talent.