Thomas

Howard

Howard was allegedly driving over 100 MPH when he lost control of his BMW sedan and collided with a semi-truck in the left lane. Howard’s BMW later struck a Chevy Monte Carlo and Honda CRV. The driver of the Honda was also killed, while the Monte Carlo owner was hospitalized. The accident is believed to have occurred at roughly 12:50AM Monday. Howard was a second-round pick by Al Davis’ Raiders in 2006. He was a starter for five years in the NFL.

The Raiders tried the same tactic at this time last year, but were unable to consumate a trade. CB Nnamdi Asomugha is the Raiders’ most talented player, but his massive contract will make him hard to move. RB Michael Bush, who is a free agent at the end of the season and will make only $550,000 in 2010, is a prime trade candidate. ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned lesser lights such as CB Chris Johnson and LB Thomas Howard as the most likely to be dealt.

It looks like the Raiders will avoid any surprise holdouts, aside from perhaps first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey. Morrison and Howard both return as every-down linebackers. “Captain” Kirk is the more desirable IDP. Oakland will likely broach extension negotiations with the youngsters in-season.

Kamerion Wimbley is locked in on the strong side, and Trevor Scott will start at weak-side linebacker. Howard would ostensibly be tried in the middle if another team forks over a mid-round pick for Morrison.

Contract-year cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha had the best, according to the Oakland Tribune, but that was expected. Howard, who quietly notched 110 tackles as a rookie, should take another big step forward as a sophomore.

It’s the most by any linebacker since Ray Lewis picked off six in 2003. Howard has been somewhat inconsistent from a tackles standpoint in his second season, but is emerging as a major force in big play-heavy IDP leagues. He’s also broken up nine passes and returned two of his picks for touchdowns.

The fleet footed Howard ran 4.42 at the 2006 Combine. Apparently he’s sped up, because D-Mac ran 4.33 in February. Howard, whose six INTs were the most by any LB since Ray Lewis in 2003, is a homerun threat after the pick.

Howard played the SAM position at UTEP but has enough athletic ability to play just about anywhere. He’s an excellent IDP sleeper.

Howard is projected to start on the weak side. Bing, a safety transitioning to WLB, could be Howard’s top backup. The signings have yet to hit league wires.

Howard brings an excellent blend of 4.4 speed and 6-3/240-pound size. Art Shell called him the team’s starting weak-side linebacker late last week and Howard should be an instant IDP starter.