Oakland Raiders DL coach Jethro Franklin’s to do list
While he does not garner many of the mainstream accolades or attention usually saved for coordinator, Raiders’ defensive line coach Jethro Franklin is the engineer of the entire Oakland Raiders defense. He embodies the axiom “Success starts up front.” Nothing sets the tone better than the defensive line. In 2015, Franklin crafted a near miracle considering the situations he faced. As the calendar zooms toward summer, here is a list of goals for the Raiders’ DL coach.
Quickly assess Mario Edwards: Edwards received clearance from the medical staff. However, questions abound. Will there be any side effects? Will there be any regression of performance due to the long layoff? Franklin is astute, and will be able to decide on Edwards during camp. Edwards accounted for 616 snaps in 2015. With his neck being a source of uncertainty, that number may decrease.
Unlock Ward: As we’ve documented, Jihad Ward was not a popular second round pick and most foolishly pointed to his woeful sack totals at Illinois. Obviously, the Raiders see a high ceiling for Ward. Franklin may be the first coach in Ward’s life to possess the ability to effectively teach him to actually play. As we’ve documented, Illinois was a complete dumpster fire of a program. If Franklin can replicate the results of Edwards, Ward has the size and athleticism to be a force. It appears as though, the real work with start with building that fierce mentality. Combine with the physical tools, and go from there.
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Increase Denico Autry’s snaps: Autry, the unheralded Mississippi State product tallied 3 sacks in 2015. Three may not seem note worthy, but consider two numbers. : 86 and 377. These are the number of his special snaps and defensive plays featuring former Raider (now Cowboy) Benson Mayowa. Autry’s days of special teams should be coming to a thankful end. Why waste 90 plays, when the opportunity to wreak havoc is limited? Autry is a starting caliber defensive end. Mayowa departing is a blessing for Autry. While he will not see all of those plays, there will be an increase of time solely playing defense.
38 sacks are not enough: Last year, the Raiders mustered less than 40 sacks. 38 may average to almost 2.5 per game, it ranked 23rd overall. If you eliminate Khalil Mack’s 15, the defense struggled mightily. Yet, there is hope. Bruce Irvin will occasionally rush with his hand in the dirt. Aldon Smith will return towards the end. Basically, if the line can generate enough rush, there is a ripple effect. The linebackers and defensive backs can expect hastily thrown passes and broken routes to jump. More sacks will make an average secondary good and a good one becomes phenomenal. With the DL depth currently, including rookie talent, there is room for high 40s type of production.
Jethro Franklin toils in relative obscurity. Diehard fans know him by name and accomplishment. Not to overstate this: A productive DL will ensure a Raider playoff berth. Unlike last year, where there were too many uncertainties and unknowns, Franklin understands what needs to happen. In the wake of a stellar 2015, Franklin should’ve earned universal fan respect. Now, it is time to get to the playoffs.
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