No member of the Raiders' defense has played at a consistently high level this season, and each player seemed to flounder at the same time recently, as there was plenty of blame to go around on "D" after Oakland was gashed for 38 points and 316 rushing yards in a Week Seven loss to the Jets. Sources say, however, that Kirk Morrison has done little to reestablish himself as the team's long-term answer at middle linebacker after questions emerged about his standing with the club when his starting spot was opened for competition in training camp. Morrison has been the team's leading tackler each season since he entered the league in 2005, and he's primed to do so again, as he's first on the team in tackles with 67, but we hear it's far from a lock that the Raiders will pursue a new deal with him when he hits free agency this offseason.

PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the first issue now ready for mailing. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.