Raiders might try Jon Alston at strong safety

[Nick]

Question: Jason, I don’t know of a way to pass ideas on to the Raiders coaching staff, so I will ask you, and see what you think. Why are they not looking at JonAlston for SS? He is too small at 6' 225 lbs for LB. He is fast, ask Kiffin about the time Alston ran down Reggie Bush. He can hit, and is a sure tackler. Sometimes it takes someone else to show you what is right under your nose, so pass that on if you can, and let me know what you think. Thanks.
Robert, Walnut Creek

Answer: The Raiders did use Alston like a safety sometimes last year in their 4-4 look. That’s when Huff moved to free and the Raiders used four linebackers. That was to stop the run and even then, that didn’t work.

I know the Raiders like Alston and that he enjoyed being able to get on the field for more than special teams.

In pregame warmups, Alston was often playing safety against the starting offense, so it’s not unrealistic that he might be given a chance at safety next season.

From Jason Jones' Raiders blog at the Sacramento Bee.

[rammiser]

I hope releasing him wont be a mistake.

[Keenum]

When I read that, the first thing that popped in my head was "Adam Archuletta."
Arch just couldn't cover in that position, but his hitting was very good.
But since the Raiders are using a 4-4 defense in some situations designed to stop the run, maybe it will work out for him. I wish him nothing but the best.

[Goldenfleece]

I always thought Alston might be more successful as a safety because of the size issue. I think he was supposed to have decent coverage ability (for a linebacker) and I know he had speed and strength. It'll be interesting to see if anything comes of it even if Jon isn't a Ram anymore.

[ramsplaya16]

releasing him wasnt a mistake, he just had no place to fit in on this defense so we really had no choice. to be honest i would rather have culbertson than alston culbertson has way more upside as a line backer but i hope he does well i wish him the best also.

[laram0]

Someone from the Raiders must have read that idea here at the Clan.