The shakeup of the Oakland defense began earlier this week, with general manager Reggie McKenzie lopping off cornerback Sanford Routt, arguably one of the NFL's most overpaid players. There are doubtless more changes to come on a unit that one of the club's various consultants after the death of Al Davis criticized sharply and noted was in need of talent, but the Raiders will attempt to hang on to four-year veteran strong safety Tyvon Branch. There is, in fact, a possibility the Raiders could use the franchise marker on Branch, a former fourth-round draft pick (2008) who has started all 16 games each of the past three seasons, after playing mostly as a special-teams guy as a rookie. McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen covet toughness in the secondary, and Branch provides it. He has only three career interceptions, but is solid in run support, and has averaged 112.3 tackles in his three years as a starter.
Source: Sports Xchange
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Source: Sports Xchange
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