Another Oakland Okie-doke?

The Patriots could have a full-blown rivalry with the Oakland Raiders, but it would be restricted to the front office.

Former Missouri DE Stryker Sulak was at Gillette Stadium yesterday, as he was worked out by the Pats. The 6-4 251-pound rookie will then travel to Carolina and do the same. If Sulak shows the athleticism to make the switch from college defensive end to a 3-4 outside linebacker, New England would be very interested in signing him.

And if Sulak becomes the newest Patriot, he would be the latest theft from the Raiders.

Go back to the 2007 NFL Draft. New England traded a fourth round draft pick for the disinterested Randy Moss after two disappointing years with Oakland. Sparked by being on a championship-caliber team, Moss set a new record for TD receptions in a season.

Oakland is still sour over the 2001 “tuck rule.” If the Patriots sign Stryker and he works out for New England, it gives the Raiders yet another reason to despise the Pats.

But if Sulak comes to New England, Oakland would have no one to blame but themselves. The sixth rounder was waived before even signing a contract. The reasons are unknown, but owner Al Davis didn’t hold a press conference declaring that Sulak lied to him.

It would be very ironic if Sulak signs with the Patriots because he was selected by Oakland with a pick New England gave to the Raiders to move up in the second round to select DT Ron Brace! Sulak was drafted 199^th overall. That’s a lucky number in these parts. If Sulak is half the player Tom Brady became, Stryker is a monumental steal!

The scouting report on Sulak is encouraging. He was productive for the Tigers, closing out his career with 55 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and an NCAA-leading six forced fumbles in his senior year. He sounds like a good prospect.

With the competition for one OLB position wide open, another quality competitor is always a good thing.