Oakland Raiders: With Pickings Really Slim, A Few Options At Linebacker
By Kevin Saito
Serving in a reserve role, Spikes appeared in just eleven games with the Bills last season. And he didn’t put up much to look at statistically speaking. Nine total tackles – five solo – and that was pretty much it. The team chose to not re-sign him this offseason, meaning he’s still walking around out there – and could probably be had for a song and a dance.
The six-foot-three, 255 pound linebacker was a two-time All-American and a member of two National Championship teams while at the University of Florida. He was a second round pick by New England, and while with the Patriots, put up some respectable numbers.
While with the Patriots, Spikes appeared in 51 games – making 39 starts – recording 292 tackles, a sack, four forced fumbles, fourteen passes defensed, and a pair of interceptions.
After being late for practice in 2014, Bill Belichick put him on injured reserve and the team did not re-sign him. Signed by Buffalo the following year, he appeared in all sixteen games – making ten starts – and was again, respectable.
Spikes isn’t going to wow you with his production. He’s not a force of nature on the field. But he’s shown that he can be competent and play within a system well enough. He’s good against the run and good enough against the pass.
He’s dealt with a few off-the-field issues which could deter McKenzie from giving him a look, but that might be a mistake. He’s kept his nose clean the past couple of seasons and by NFL standards, hasn’t really been involved in anything serious.
Spikes comes with a little baggage, but he could help toughen up the middle of that defense.