Owen

Schmitt

The former Seahawks and Eagles lead blocker was rated as one of the league’s least effective fullbacks in 2011 by Pro Football Focus. He’d have a tough time finding a roster spot behind Marcel Reece.

The Raiders need depth for offseason practices, as starter Marcel Reece has yet to sign his ERFA tender and is not participating. Schmitt has experience with OC Gregg Knapp from their time together in Seattle two years ago.

Schmitt was active for all 13 games this season, but is no longer needed with Marcel Reece shifting back to fullback. Schmitt has appeared in at least 15 games every year since 2008, and could find a new home for the season’s final three contests.

Schmitt got a 365-day sentence, but 364 were suspended and he already spent one day in jail. Schmitt also must pay $2,130 in fines. We’re guessing he won’t be suspended as a first-time offender of the NFL conduct policy.

This was only an arraignment; a pre-trial hearing is scheduled for later this month. Schmitt could be in danger of NFL discipline if he isn’t acquitted.

His blood-alcohol content measured between 0.151 and 0.161. Schmitt looked like Seattle’s fullback of the future when he was picked in the fifth round last year, but the arrest won’t help him beat out Justin Griffith, a veteran of coordinator Greg Knapp’s zone-blocking scheme. It’s Schmitt’s first law run-in as a pro, so the West Virginia product should avoid suspension.

Schmitt provides more pop as a blocker, but Griffith is versed in OC Greg Knapp’s offense and more versatile as a catcher and perhaps short-yardage option. Schmitt will stay “up” on Sundays because he plays special teams.

Schmitt has been fined two game checks instead. He was a first-time offender of the league’s substance abuse policy.

Stationed behind Leonard Weaver, Schmitt isn’t in the mix to start as a rookie, but he has potential as a short-yardage specialist and lead blocker in time. He could make T.J. Duckett expendable by 2009 by practicing well this year.

Schmitt (6'2/247) can be a punishing runner, but doesn’t consistently lead block with good leverage. He is a capable receiver out of the backfield and has very good straight-ahead speed for his size. Schmitt probably won’t be a short-yardage threat this year because of T.J. Duckett, but Duckett’s contract is year-to-year and that’s a role Schmitt could fill at some point.