53 Thoughts On the Raiders Mid-June Roster

Like most teams, the Oakland Raiders enter the summer with hope and expectations.

1. This is not Jack Del Rio’s roster anymore that is for sure.
2. Mix of youthful athleticism and maturity with experience.
3. The age of this roster seems overblown. While a few players are over 30 but about one per position for position with great youth.
4. With that said six starters over the age of 30 this season.
5. As a result, no excuses for the offense this year
6. Carr generously listed at 6’3” remains the shortest, lightest quarterback on the roster.
7. Carr went from no receiver over 6’2” to potentially having three.
8. Amari Cooper will likely be the smallest starter on offense and second shortest.
9. Ryan Switzer will probably have to make the team as a returner with Cooper expects to play more slot.
10. Many smaller backs still on the roster. That will probably change by September.
11. Marshawn Lynch will probably still be the starter.
12. There is a good chance neither Jalen Richard nor DeAndre Washington make it.
13. Doug Martin is making this team and will likely be relied on heavily on third down.
14. David Sharpe was the heaviest linemen on the team, by almost 20lbs.
15. The two rookies are two of the smallest offensive linemen in the team.
16. Remarkably no starting interior lineman is older than 28.
17. Offensive Tackles have the largest disparity of age at starters (Penn 35, Parker 22)
18. No small tight ends on this team, it is clear they will be asked to block more.
19. Do not be surprised to see Lee Smith maintain his starting TE hold.
20. He may catch a few passes too; he and Jared Cook are it.
21. Kevin Smith at 6’0” 240 is the first real fullback on the roster in almost a decade.
22. Vadal Alexander’s roster spot appears in jeopardy.
23. Defensive roles are more clearly defined this season.
24. Fewer tweeners expected to contribute.
25. Getting harder and harder to see Obi on the team the entire season.
26. Karl Joseph is going to have to show some blue chips as well to make it to Las Vegas.
27. If Key shows, some skills he could be a rush package end and give Mack valuable rest.
28. Mario Edwards Jr may have more trouble finding snaps. He has to be a trade candidate.
29. With Bruce Irvin now a full-time DE, there are five full-time DEs on the roster.
30. The Raiders need Hurst to be at least a ground rule double.
31. There are no other viable interior pass rushers except Hurst.
32. They will not miss Vanderdoes too much while he is rehabbing.
33. Between Hall, Hurst, Justin Ellis, and Hester the Raiders may already have their DT rotation.
34. Derrick Johnson will be depended on to do a great deal this season.
35. Whitehead will likely only be a two-down player.
36. Between the two of them, the Raiders hope they have a 100 tackle middle linebacker.
37. Marquel Lee will get his chances but he will have to show out to supplant DJ.
38. Many thought Nicholas Morrow was a lock to start on the weakside but maybe not.
39. This unit is paper-thin and cannot afford injures.
40. This is one area where Obi has a legitimate chance to claim a spot.
41. At 6’3” 224lbs, he is a larger human than Morrow and has some coverage skills.
42. Team clearly dedicated to stopping the run with this LB corps.
43. Much better group of defensive backs this June.
44. By this point last offseason, Obi was still getting some cornerback work when on the field.
45. If Gareon Conley is at least a no two corner the Raiders defense will be much better.
46. Rashaan Melvin could only be a one-year rental, but the secondary will need him to have his best season yet.
47. Shareece Wright, Reggie Nelson, and Leon Hall are the two oldest DBs by far with everyone else being relatively young.
48. Their only hope is special teams, injury, or sheer incompetence by some of the rookies.
49. Keep an eye on Nick Nelson as a sleeper to claim the nickel spot. He does not force turnovers but is rarely out of position.
50. Gilchrist is probably the best safety in the roster now, not the worst.
51. He is also probably the favorite for the slot.
52. It is probably why Reggie Nelson is still on the roster. He can play the low safety when Gilchrist plays the slot.
53. This season is when Joseph can start earning that 5th year option.