Gruden leaning on 30-somethings
Rodgers-Cromartie, at 32, joins growing cast of savvy vets
ALAMEDA >> Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will be the latest thirty-something to take the field for the Raiders when practice resumes today, presumably appreciative of a head coach who values experience almost as much as talent.
The veteran cornerback came aboard before Friday’s 13-6 win over the Green Bay Packers — the 13th player Gruden has brought on who is either past 30 or will turn 30 during the season.
“I just like having Dominique out here,” Gruden said after the game. “We have had a number of corners
go down, and we need somebody to come in here and make a play. With his history in this league he has a lot of clout.”
The history of RodgersCromartie, 32, includes a second-team All-Pro selection in 2016 and a Pro Bowl in 2015, both as a member of the New York Giants. He has 30 career interceptions and 144 passes defensed, the most among active NFL players.
The history also includes being taken out of the starting lineup with the Giants, reportedly after getting into a sideline beef with coach Ben McAdoo and serving a brief suspension for conduct detrimental to
the team.
(It’s worth noting that Rodgers-Cromartie had the public support of some of his teammates).
“We are hoping we can rejuvenate him, get him acclimated into our defense and potentially utilize his skills,” Gruden said. “He can play.”
It’s not a novel concept for Gruden, who leaned on veteran corners Albert Lewis and Eric Allen on his first Raiders team in 1998. As an aside, don’t rule out Rodgers-Cromartie getting a look at safety in some packages, something Gruden’s staff did with Lewis in 1999.
Veterans on the roster as well as some castoffs from other teams played a role in getting the Raiders out from a 4-12 hole to a pair of .500 seasons and eventually three straight AFC West titles from 2000 through 2002.
With one exhibition game remaining Thursday night in Seattle as a run-up to determining a 53-man roster, a look at how the Raiders other 12 thirty-somethings are faring:
K MIKE NUGENT (36) >> If a groin strain sustained by rookie Eddy Pineiro is an issue, Nugent could be the Raiders place kicker in Week 1. Converted two short field goals against Green Bay and was wide left from 49 yards.
LB DERRICK JOHNSON (35) >> The play of second-year man Marquel Lee in the middle of the defense has given the Raiders something to think about. Johnson has played 22 snaps in three games. He was beaten for a potential touchdown in pass coverage against Green Bay and was fortunate Lance Kendricks dropped the ball.
DT-DE FROSTEE RUCKER (34) >> Has given coaches plenty of game film to evaluate with 64 snaps in three exhibition games. Rucker’s ability to play inside or outside works in his favor. What doesn’t is the defensive line may be the Raiders’ deepest position group.
S REGGIE NELSON (34) >> Played for Raiders last two seasons but brought back by Gruden because
of his familiarity with Paul Guenther’s defense. Has played 34 snaps in three games. If he sticks, it means younger players did not step up.
WR JORDY NELSON (33) >> This year’s poster veteran had a strong training camp, and looked to have most of not all of his speed and will settle in to start opposite Amari Cooper. Signed to replace the departed Michael Crabtree. Played 10 snaps in three preseason games.
CB LEON HALL (33) >> Played 14 snaps against the Packers, and has the versatility to play in slot or outside as well as experience in the defensive system under Guenther in Cincinnati. By now, staff has probably decided whether Hall can run well enough to be a factor.
T BRENO GIACOMINI (32) >> Hasn’t played a snap in the preseason and has sat out most of training camp with a bum knee. Brought in because he’d played for Tom Cable and coaching staff considers him tough and smart, but simply may not be physically up to it. CB SHAREECE WRIGHT (31) >> Went from 40 snaps in the exhibition opener to 21 to not playing at all against Green Bay. Wright, who
had injury issues with the Chargers, could be out after RodgersCromartie’s signing.
LS ANDREW DEPAOLA (31) >> Jon Condo’s replacement is secure after signing a contract that includes $875,000 in guaranteed money.
WR DWAYNE HARRIS (30) >> Got his first action against the Packers (seven snaps), other than a single snap against the Rams. Muffed a kickoff return into end zone and recovered it, also had a nice return called back by penalty. Can cover kicks. Was he being stashed or on the bubble?
TE LEE SMITH (30) >> Like Reggie Nelson, was brought back by Gruden after his contract expired. His passion for doing the dirty work as an in-line tight end is a trait that is near and dear to the coach’s heart and he complements Jared Cook and Derek Carrier nicely.
S-CB MARCUS GILCHRIST (29) >> Will turn 30 in December, Gilchrist wasn’t healthy enough to play until Friday and got 28 snaps. That should be enough to determine whether Gilchrist can be the kind of swing player who can contribute. Coaches love his leadership and willingness to play hurt.