The Raiders signed former Colts LB Philip Wheeler during free agency to a one year contract.  As a new addition to the Raiders squad, I watched game tape of two games to get an idea of his strengths and weaknesses as a player.

Linebackers are harder to evaluate than many positions because they work as a unit more than most other positions.  The scheme also plays heavily into where a linebacker is supposed to lineup and what gap they are to hit.

Earlier this season, the Raiders signed former Rams LCB Ron Bartell to a one year $3 million contract. The reviews of Bartell were favorable on his time in St Louis but I wanted to get an idea for him myself.

I watched all the defensive snaps for two games, both in 2010 because he only played part of one game in 2011 before sustaining a fracture to one of the vertebrae in his neck.

The first game I watched was the Raiders/Rams game in week 2 of 2010. I chose this game because I know the Raiders players and know their strengths and weaknesses and can better gauge an opponent with that common frame of reference.

UPDATED: The deal is reportedly for two years and is worth up to $3 million.

According to multiple sources free agent defensive end Dave Tollefson has agreed, verbally, to sign with the Raiders.  He will provide depth on the line and also is a boost on Special Teams.

Tollefson was part of a bidding war today after visiting Green Bay, Oakland and Tennesse.  All three were vying for his services and he had an offer from the Giants, as well, where he's been for the last five years.

Oakland beat writer Jerry McDonald was busy talking to coaches and players yesterday for interviews and were able to put together a number of interesting articles that start to show what the 2012 Raiders team will look like.

First, Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times spoke to Dennis Allen.  There is a transcript here.

There isn't anything too amazing in there but it is interesting how many restrictions the team has at this time of year with the players.  The Raiders are allowed to have two hours worth of meetings per day and the only coaches that can be on the field with the players are strength/conditioning.

The NFL released a partial pre-season schedule yesterday.  The biggest news for the Raiders is that they will get a prime time game in week one.  The schedule, as released, is available for review here.

The Raiders schedule is as follows:

The Raiders have reportedly scheduled a pre-draft workout with OT Steven Baker.  TFDS' Guest Contributor Tyler Dickson has prepared this scouting report on the productive but relatively unknown Baker.  For more of his thoughts on players, as we lead up to the 2012 NFL Draft, on Twitter @Raiderdraftnik

STEVEN BAKER
Offensive Tackle
6'8", 310 lbs
Rocky Mount (Northern Nash HS)

Scouting Report: Size, strength, quickness and mobility consistently complimented a development rate which culminated with a starting and leadership role at the tackle position during senior campaign. 

UPDATED 4/16/2012: 7th round added!

This article is the work of Seth Murphy, who follows college FB and is a Raiders fan.  These are his projections for all seven rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft.

You can follow him on Twitter @SethMurhpy4991 to find out what he thinks about players leading up to the draft later this month.

Look below the Rounds to see who the Raiders may look at as Undrafted Free agent Prospects.

Also, below the UDFA propects, peruse an updated tracker of which players each team is projected to take.