https://goldengatesports.com/2019/05/06/oakland-raiders-breakdown-udfa-signings/
(Warning the website has a lot of pop-ups and noise)
The Oakland Raiders have signed 10 undrafted free agents following the 2019 NFL Draft. Here is a breakdown of each of their UDFA signings to date.
After a disappointing 4-12 season last year, the Oakland Raiders were in desperate need of a mass influx of new, exciting talent. Free agency certainly helped that cause as did their nine total draft picks, but the talent additions haven’t stopped there.
Following the conclusion of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Raiders have officially signed 10 undrafted free agents to further fill out the roster. These 10 players will look to provide competition to their respective position groups and potentially even earn a roster spot in the process.
These players won’t be the highly-touted, premier prospects who you’ll likely see receive significant playing time from day one. Rather, these individuals will have to fight and claw for their success in the NFL.
The Raiders roster has no shortage of former undrafted free agents who have made their marks in the NFL. Look no further than the likes of Jalen Richard and Vontaze Burfict for players who have managed to put together very successful NFL careers after originally going undrafted.
With that, let’s take a look at this year’s crop of Oakland Raiders UDFA’s looking to kick off their underdog NFL careers.
Alec Ingold, FB, Wisconsin
We start off with a classic Jon Gruden signing in Wisconsin fullback Alec Ingold. Ingold worked closely with Gruden at this year’s Senior Bowl and was the only fullback invited to that game and the Scouting Combine.
The Raiders currently have last year’s fullback Keith Smith and Marshall product Ryan Yuracheck under contract but Ingold should be given a very fair chance to make the final 53-man roster. He excels in run blocking and could pair nicely with new running back Josh Jacobs if the Raiders decide that he’s the best fit with the team.
Keelan Doss, WR, UC Davis
The Raiders decided to stay local with one of their undrafted free agent signings and they may have just landed a steal in UC Davis wide receiver Keelan Doss. Projected a fifth-round pick by NFL.com, Doss impressed scouts — and clearly Gruden once again — with his performance at this year’s Senior Bowl.
Prior to that, Doss was an ultra-productive receiver during his time at UC Davis posting a total of 133 receptions for a whopping 2,833 yards over the final two years of his collegiate career. While he lacks breakaway speed, Doss has enough size and athleticism to be a reliable depth receiver with the possibility of sticking around as a big slot option. Doss should be considered one of the more likely UDFA’s to make the roster or at least earn a practice squad spot.
Andre James, OT, UCLA
The Raiders made sure to address the offensive trenches signing a total of four undrafted offensive linemen. A slow, powerful offensive lineman, Andre James could use some bulking up before he could be considered a viable NFL lineman.
James was a college teammate of left tackle Kolton Miller at UCLA but doesn’t have the athleticism that Miller does to project him as a starting tackle in this league. A move to guard could be beneficial and give him the best chance of making the final roster.
Tyler Roemer, OT, San Diego
The Raiders added another local Southern California offensive tackle with San Diego’s Tyler Roemer. Roemer is one of the more intriguing undrafted free agents in that he declared for the draft as just a redshirt sophomore after being suspended from the school for a violation of team rules.
He has the athletic profile to succeed in the NFL and possesses plenty of raw potential, but has a slight frame and brings with him a variety of maturity concerns. Roemer has long-term developmental potential, but will need to improve his technique and overcome any attitude concerns that could inhibit his NFL career.
Lester Cotton Sr., OG, Alabama
The Raiders clearly made it a point of emphasis to add players from big-name, successful schools and Alabama’s Lester Cotton Sr. continued that trend. Cotton is a big-bodied mauler of a guard who blocked for one of the top offensive lines in the country.
While he excels in a power run scheme, he may not be an agile enough mover to play effectively in an NFL zone blocking scheme. Lateral quickness is a major concern but if you’re looking for a mauler who finishes his blocks then Cotton is your guy.
Lukayus McNeil, OG, Louisville
The Raiders finished off their undrafted free agent haul of offensive linemen with Louisville’s Lukayus McNeil. McNeil has an inspiring backstory and is an easy player to root for having once been homeless before turning his life and football career around.
Having started almost every game of his Louisville career, McNeil has plenty of in-game experience and was finally elected as a team captain ahead of his senior season. With the versatility to play both guard and tackle, McNeil could have a shot of sticking around as a depth lineman or practice squad player.
Te’Von Coney, LB, Notre Dame
One of the more surprising players to go undrafted, linebacker Te’Von Coney is probably the most talented, highly-touted undrafted free agent that the Raiders signed. A two-year starter and tackling machine while at Notre Dame, Coney is a prototypical run-stuffing inside linebacker with a physical pedigree.
Coney doesn’t have the highest athletic ceiling and will likely never be a three-down player, but he was one of the best run defending linebackers in this class and projects very well as a two-down run stopper. At the very least, he should be able to contribute significantly on special teams early on. If you’re betting on one player to make the final 53-man roster, make it Coney.
Koa Farmer, LB, Penn State
Contrary to Coney, Penn State’s Koa Farmer is an athletically gifted, but undersized linebacker who likely went undrafted due to his size. His small stature and subpar block-shed ability make it hard to see him having success as a starter but he could turn to special teams to find a role on the team.
The Raiders had success signing another undrafted Penn State linebacker last season in Jason Cabinda who totaled 21 tackles during his rookie season. Oakland will be hoping that lightning strikes twice and they land another promising young special teamer from Happy Valley.
Dylan Mabin, CB, Fordham
The Raiders made sure to address their secondary plenty in the draft, but also felt it would be beneficial to bring in a pair of undrafted cornerbacks to provide additional competition. Fordham’s Dylan Mabin has the ideal size and athleticism that you look for in an NFL cornerback with plenty of experience playing in press coverage, something that should entice defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.
Mabin also has plenty of experience on special teams and was even once quoted saying “playing special teams is a special privilege.” That should give him a leg up on the competition which means that there’s a fair chance he could find his way on to the final 53-man roster spot or at least earn a practice squad contract.
Keisean Nixon, CB, South Carolina
The final of 10 undrafted free agent signings that the Oakland Raiders made was South Carolina cornerback Keisean Nixon. Nixon was a one-year starter at South Carolina after transferring from Arizona Western junior college.
Due to his small stature — just 5-foot-10, 196 pounds — Nixon will probably be limited to a nickel cornerback role which could hurt his chances of making the team. However, he is considered a strong special teams player which could make up for his lack of size and subpar man coverage skills
I'm really excited about this group, especially, Doss, Cotton, and Coney.
