Poll

Whom should the Raiders select with the third pick of the NFL Draft?
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Leading Off: Raiders likely to draft a defensive lineman at No. 3

By Victor Contreras
The Sacramento Bee
Published: Tuesday, Mar. 5, 2013 - 12:00 am | Page 1C
Last Modified: Tuesday, Mar. 5, 2013 - 8:28 am

The Black Hole in Oakland no longer resides in the end-zone seats at the Coliseum, but rather along the Raiders' defensive line.

Gone is veteran defensive tackle Richard Seymour, whose hefty contract reportedly was voided after he failed to play a specified number of downs last season.

Highly paid defensive tackle Tommy Kelly also is expected to be waived after he all but disappeared last season, with just 1 1/2 sacks.

Desmond Bryant, the Raiders' best defensive tackle last season with four sacks, becomes a free agent March 12. He recently was arrested in Florida on criminal mischief charges, and it is uncertain if the Raiders will re-sign him.

Defensive ends Andre Carter and Matt Shaughnessy also are free agents.

With so many holes and the fact Oakland ranked second to last in the NFL with 25 sacks last season, the Raiders likely will draft a defensive lineman with the third overall pick on April 25.

Many draft boards have Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd moving up from a lower first-round pick to the top five.

Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei could be the best fit in Oakland because he's good at stopping the run and getting to the quarterback, but he has a heart condition.

Florida Sate's Bjoern Werner, a German-born player who first played at age 15, ranks among the best defensive ends.

Another defensive end, Damontre Moore from Texas A&M, is called "Damonster" by his teammates because of his vicious pass rushing. That nickname alone ought to make him a good fit for the Raiders.

What to watch

NBA, Nuggets at Kings, 7 p.m., CSNCA: The Kings have won three of their last four home games.

Today's poll

Whom should the Raiders select with the third pick of the NFL draft?

• Sharrif Floyd, Florida

• Bjoern Werner, Florida State

• Star Lotulelei, Utah

• Damontre Moore, Texas A&M

Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports

Monday's results

Should the 49ers trade their first two picks for Darrelle Revis?

• Yes: 23%

• No: 77%

Total votes: 328

Call The Bee's Victor Contreras, (916) 326-5527. Follow him on Twitter @SacBeeVictor.

© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.

• Read more articles by Victor Contreras



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