Pre-Camp Raiders Roster Projections

With the calendar folding into the summer months, the Raiders look forward to camp.

Offense: 26

The offense features very few surprises with much of the starting line up from 2017 likely to return. Perhaps the two biggest surprises are the battle at the right tackle position and the lack of depth at Tight End. It wouldn’t be terribly surprising to see the Raiders opt to keep just five receivers and add a third tight end between now and September.

As for the right bookend to Donald Penn, the battle for that position will be raging from now until the end of camp. If the Raiders seem fortunate they can slot Miller in with confidence that they have their new starter for at least the next few seasons. Additionally, expect the release of either of the smaller backs to during cut downs. DeAndre Washington, being the most likely candidate after an abysmal showing. In the end, the starters at most of the important positions are set with the expectation for some turn over at the bottom of the rosters.

Quarterback:

1. Derek Carr
2. EJ Manuel
3. Connor Cook

Running Back:

1. Marshawn Lynch
2. Doug Martin
3. Jalen Richard

Fullback:

1. Keith Smith

Left Tackle:

1. Donald Penn
2. Brandon Parker

Left Guard:

1. Kelechi Osemele
2. Jon Feliciano

Center:

1. Rodney Hudson

Right Guard:

1. Gabe Jackson
2. Denver Kirkland

Right Tackle:

1. Kolton Miller
2. David Sharpe

Wide Receiver:

1. Amari Cooper
2. Martavis Bryant
3. Jordy Nelson
4. Marcell Ateman
5. Griff Whalen
6. Ryan Switzer

Tight End:

1. Jared Cook
2. Lee Smith

Defense: 22

The defense could see some massive turnover yet again as draft picks and free agency flushes in new talent. Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin will likely end up as bookends for the rookies on the interior part of the line. Nicholas Morrow is the only returning linebacker expected to start with Tahir Whitehead and Derrick Johnson on the middle and strongside of the formation. Gareon Conley, as likely the best DB on the team, should fill out the LCB slot, which typically is the side with more space. Rashaad Melvin should take the short side of the field as the RCB. Shareece Wright and Nick Nelson may compete for the nickel and dime spots. Finally, expect the Raiders to at least begin the season with Obi and Joseph as the strong and free safeties. If one or the other falters, Marcus Gilchrist should provide excellent depth.

Left Defensive End

1. Khalil Mack
2. Arden Key

Defensive Tackle

1. Maurice Hurst
2. Treyvon Hester

Nose Tackle

1. P.J. Hall
2. Justin Ellis

Right Defensive End

1. Bruce Irvin
2. Mario Edwards

Strongside Linebacker

1. Tahir Whitehead
2. James Cowser

Middle Linebacker

1. Derrick Johnson
2. Marquel Lee

Weakside Linebacker

1. Nicholas Morrow
2. Azeem Victor

Left Cornerback

1. Gareon Conley
2. Nick Nelson

Strong Safety

1. Obi Melifonwu
2. Marcus Gilchrist

Free Safety:

1. Karl Joseph
2. Shareece Wright

Right Cornerback:

1. Rashaad Melvin
2. Dexter McDonald

Special Teams: 5

The only potential upset here is if Tavecchio can somehow beat out Townsend despite Piniero being his holder in college. DePaola owns inside track as the longsnapper with the gunner positions determined by training camp and positional attrition.

Punter

1. Johnny Townsend

Kicker

1. Eddy Piniero

Gunner

1. Shalom Luani
2. Antonio Hamilton

Long Snapper

1. Andrew DePaola