Oakland Raiders: Grading Out the Free Agent Class So Far
By Kevin Saito
Nov 30, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tackled by New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Saints won 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Despite having two amazingly talented and ascending stars in the NFL in LB’s Khalil Mack and Sio Moore, the Raiders needed some help. Miles Burris isn’t a solution for the team, proving to be a liability in many cases. And with Nick Roach being cut after his concussion symptoms didn’t clear up, Oakland had a gaping hole in the middle of the defense.
It was a fortuitous coincidence when New Orleans, apparently in full fire-sale mode, released Lofton to clear some space under the cap. McKenzie wasted no time in swooping in and bringing him back to Oakland.
Over the course of seven year career – Lofton has averaged well over 100 tackles per season. He’s just the sort of inside thumper Oakland needs. He is a terrific run stuffer in the middle of the defense – which is something the Raiders most desperately needed. And at just 28 years old, Lofton figures to be very productive for a few years yet.
Lofton is going to turn out to be one of the more underrated adds for the Raiders this offseason. His run stuffing ability is going to help this defense play at a higher level than they have in some time.
Between Williams, Lofton, and new safety Nate Allen, the Raiders defense got a whole lot better, and a whole lot tougher up the middle.
GRADE: B+
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