Raiders add another defensive lineman

Originally published on SBReport.net on March 18, 2013

Reggie McKenzie continues to make do with the cap space he has as he has found another solid signing with defensive tackle Vance Walker.

Walker is a solid interior defensive lineman that provides something the Raiders have struggled with as of late: stopping the run. There's no question that McKenzie recognized the lack of rushing defense after the team struggled in stopping the run last season.

The 25-year-old has appeared in 58 games for the Falcons and recorded 79 tackles and five sacks.

While he was a rotational player with the Falcons, Walker will possibly end up being a starter with Oakland's current lack of depth on the defensive side of the field.

Walker has experience being moved up and down the line, serving as defensive tackle and defensive end when only three defensive linemen are on the field. In other words, he brings a lot of versatility, which seems to be something McKenzie is looking for based on all of his recent signings.

McKenzie has been forced to help shore up the defensive line after Richard Seymour and Desmond Bryant have left due to free agency, and Tommy Kelly may also be on his way out with his expensive cap hit. The Raiders already signed former Bengals defensive tackle Pat Sims last week.