The Oakland Raiders are fairly thin at the free safety position with Michael Huff being the clear starter. The only other free safety on the team that will see much field time is Matt Giordano who is a solid back up, but will not challenge Huff for the starting role. With that said, let's take a look at the starting free safety for the Oakland Raiders.
Last Season: After having a break out season in 2010, Huff had a let down season in 2011. He totaled less than half as many tackles as he did in 2010. He registered no sacks and no forced fumbles compared to 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 2010. Finally, while he only had one less interception in 2011, he did not have as many pass deflections and generally did not have a very impact in the pass game.
Big Question: Did Michael Huff have a good year in 2010 only because it was a contract year? When Huff was drafted by the Raiders out of Texas, he did not come close to living up to his draft status. He underachieved in many aspects and although he was not terrible, he was certainly nothing to write home about. Then, in 2010, he had a break out season and was named to the 2nd team All Pro. As a result of that season, he was given a rather large contract by the Raiders, after which he reverted back to his lack luster ways.
Projection: With the Raiders implementing a completely new defensive scheme, essentially everyone on the Raiders is being given an opportunity to re-define themselves. Without the restrictions of the Al Davis offense, players will be allowed to do more and hopefully find a way to succeed. If Huff struggles again in 2012, it may be a sign that the Raiders need to start looking for a new free safety.
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