In football, much like life, too much of a good thing actually exists. When the Raiders blew up their roster, holes became rampant. Yet, due to thorough drafting and free agent depth, roster spots look to run thin. That is to say, some 2018 holdovers could find their way out of town. FPC Raiders writers Peter Camarillo and Ray Aspuria discuss what players may find themselves on the outside.
Camarillo
The veterans I would’ve bet to lose their spot are already gone. Donald Penn, Kelechi Osemele and Marshawn Lynch all were cut, traded or not re-signed.
However, if I had to pick, let’s say Tahir Whitehead, who sits on a non-guaranteed contract. Many regard him as a team leader, despite veterans Brandon Marshall and Vontaze Burfict moving into the prominent backer roles.
Justin Ellis might see his walking papers, despite being a starter and key rotational player. Ellis does have money on his deal, but the Raiders brought back Johnathan Hankins. Also, veteran tackles remain signing possibilities.
Then, the wildcards. Karl Joseph saw two guys who can potential replace him. The Raiders signed LaMarcus Joyner and drafted Johnathan Abram for two of the Raiders’ five key DB spots. Are the Raiders really going to play a third under-six-feet tall player in the secondary?
I wouldn’t rule out Arden Key, Marquel Lee, or any of the other young players the Raiders invested playing time in last year. I don’t think they should cut that youth, but they’re definitely on the bubble.
Aspuria
List
- Derek Carrier
- James Cowser
- Doug Martin
Thought
There’s a “sleeper” tight end that will make a strong push for a roster spot in Paul Butler. He gained weight and looks great on Twitter and Instagram videos. In addition, he owns the requisite size to be a sneaky blocker/receiver combo. All in all, Darren Waller and Foster Moreau will be starting tight ends 1A and 1B. Luke Willson, Butler and Erik Swoope serve as backups.
Cowser, the great Raiders ambassador on the international level, is a workman type, who comes in and gives his all every day. However, the choice bolis to keeping him on the 53-man or seventh-rounder Quinton Bell. The choice should be easy. Bell has much more upside. Plus, his athletic profile is so off the charts, a team would scoop him up with the quickness if he hit the waiver wire.
Veteran Surprise
Martin played for peanuts last year and produced. However, if the Raiders do intend to run the ball effectively, let the younger horses run in the stable. That means, Josh Jacobs along with Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington and Chris Warren III should be the backs.
