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