After Saturday’s cuts, the Raiders whittled down their training camp roster to fifty-three. Now, with the season a week away, it’s time to reflect on the cuts and how the team arrived at them. FPC Raiders writers Kenneth Berry, Maliik Obee and Terrance Biggs discuss what to make of the decisions.
Most surprising cut and why?
Berry
Brandon Marshall. You bring a proven veteran to come in and play only to cut him. The Raiders are thin at defensive end an their linebackers are their weakest unit on the team. They could’ve drafted Devin White or Devin Bush and traded down for more edge rushers to justify cutting Marshall but now they have a hole at linebacker even if they start Nicholas Morrow. It’s poor player management.
Obee
Keelen Doss. In all honesty, he flashed WR2 potential. Plus, I am not sold on Ryan Grant’s production.
Biggs
Anthony Rush provided the Raiders with a monster on the inside and could serve as a backup to Hankins. Yet, Justin Ellis maintains a roster spot. If he needs time on IR, hope remains that Rush clears waivers.
Smartest cut?
Obee
Brandon Marshall. The team already employs enough linebackers that cannot perform in pass coverage.
Berry
Eddie Vanderdoes should’ve been cut as soon as Maurice Hurst got drafted. He’s been hurt since high school an shown no real role on the defense. He was literally a space eater in the worst way.
Biggs
Keith Smith. Granted, Smith arrived in Oakland as a favorite of Rich Bisaccia. However, he never distinguished himself. Additionally, rookie Alec Ingold gives the Raiders a versatile fullback.
What player is holding a spot that they should not have?
Berry
Nathan Peterman is not a better player than Keelan Doss so keeping three quarterbacks makes no sense. Peterman is terrible is being a ton of undeserved chances while other Raiders produced all preseason. It’s head-shaking.
Obee
Justin Ellis. Year after year, he suffers and injury. Also, Corey Liuget offers the Raiders more at the defensive tackle position.
Biggs
Mike Glennon. With Derek Carr’s injury history, the need for a second backup could make sense. Yet, with improved line play, you’d expect Carr to play a full season. Glennon effectively sits on a spot that should belong to Keelan Doss or Anthony Rush.
In reality, the roster will undergo massive upheaval in the next few week, Meanwhile, many of the waived/released players will probably find homes on our teams. The Oakland Raiders made interesting moves. Now, we will see the results.
