2015 Oakland Raiders Thread (1 Viewer)

[Chaka]

I'm not going to cross reference Olson coached offenses as it relates to YAC. I've done enough on that front but they had pretty much the same WRs in Oakland in 2013 and the QBs overall YPA was over a yard better.

Raiders ranked 31st in YAC avg in 2014 with 4.5 YAC per reception on 365 receptions. In 2013 they ranked 6th at 6.1 YAC per reception on 298 receptions. I gotta think that has something to do with it no?

Okay but it was the same guys at WR and Olson was the OC. The difference between 2013 and 2014 is the QB(s) not the OC or WRs.

Actually Carr didn't have Streater last season and Streater was by far the Raiders best WR in 2013 when McGloin played.

Also, the running game for Oakland last season was epically bad. That hurt as well.

Don't get me wrong. Carr has a ways to go and a lot to learn yet. I'm not trying to make excuses here but I will wait to see how he does in the regular season before I make any declarations one way or the other on Carr.

Yeah, not sure why the need to completely fabricate arguments to make Carr look worse than he was. Some kind of agenda, but what?

2013: Streater - 100 targets, Moore - 86 targets, Jennings - 48 targets out of the backfield

2014: Jones - 112 targets, Holmes - 99 targets, Rivera - 99 targets, McFadden - 56 targets out of the backfield

Think what you will about the names, but they're certainly not the same, or used in the same way.

These guys were terrible getting YAC. Not surprising, when you read the names. They had hope for Jones, but it was unfounded. The 2013 guys were nothing to write odes to, but were measurably better. And why compare Olson offenses across the years against teams that were running Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, and a young SJax out there? Of course they were 1.5 or 2 yards better each time. Look at the names, man!

It's crazy to be pessimistic about Carr coming off that season with those "weapons." Give the kid a sophomore year with guys orders of magnitude better everywhere but maybe TE, and see if he and they show even more signs of life. If not, THEN look for reasons why. All of the things that have changed about the offense are reasons it should improve. None of the things that have changed are reasons it should be stagnant, or regress. They are better everywhere, have more experience at the young-and-talented positions, and face an infinitely easier slate of games.

Negativity to this extent with this quantum shift forward in terms of talent and situation isn't devil's advocate; it's irrational pessimism.

Okay I get that everyone views me as the Negative Nellie in here but what did I fabricate?

It seems more like a fabrication to suggest that Rod Streater is so magical and talented that he would have bumped Carr's YPA from terrible to...what? Mediocre?

I have repeatedly stated that I think Carr can be the guy but I simply don't understand why people are anointing him before he has actually accomplished anything.

Rod Streater guys? Rod freaking Streater? Are you kidding me? Look at the pre-Carr and post Carr numbers for all of the Raider's WRs in 2013 & 2014.

Moore 15.1 to 9.6

Rivera 10.7 to 9.2

Holmes 17.2 to 14.7

Streater 14.8 to 9.3 (only 13 targets so I am sure he would have turned that around for the whole team in a huge way, right?)

Butler 11.4 to 13.3 (WINNING!!!)

Come on guys I don't mind if you argue against my lone point (and that is really my only point) but I sincerely take exception to the suggestion that I have an agenda or am making #### up.

Rod ####### Streater? Yeesh,

 

[RaiderBones]

I'm not going to cross reference Olson coached offenses as it relates to YAC. I've done enough on that front but they had pretty much the same WRs in Oakland in 2013 and the QBs overall YPA was over a yard better.

Raiders ranked 31st in YAC avg in 2014 with 4.5 YAC per reception on 365 receptions. In 2013 they ranked 6th at 6.1 YAC per reception on 298 receptions. I gotta think that has something to do with it no?

Okay but it was the same guys at WR and Olson was the OC. The difference between 2013 and 2014 is the QB(s) not the OC or WRs.

Actually Carr didn't have Streater last season and Streater was by far the Raiders best WR in 2013 when McGloin played.

Also, the running game for Oakland last season was epically bad. That hurt as well.

Don't get me wrong. Carr has a ways to go and a lot to learn yet. I'm not trying to make excuses here but I will wait to see how he does in the regular season before I make any declarations one way or the other on Carr.

Yeah, not sure why the need to completely fabricate arguments to make Carr look worse than he was. Some kind of agenda, but what?

2013: Streater - 100 targets, Moore - 86 targets, Jennings - 48 targets out of the backfield

2014: Jones - 112 targets, Holmes - 99 targets, Rivera - 99 targets, McFadden - 56 targets out of the backfield

Think what you will about the names, but they're certainly not the same, or used in the same way.

These guys were terrible getting YAC. Not surprising, when you read the names. They had hope for Jones, but it was unfounded. The 2013 guys were nothing to write odes to, but were measurably better. And why compare Olson offenses across the years against teams that were running Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, and a young SJax out there? Of course they were 1.5 or 2 yards better each time. Look at the names, man!

It's crazy to be pessimistic about Carr coming off that season with those "weapons." Give the kid a sophomore year with guys orders of magnitude better everywhere but maybe TE, and see if he and they show even more signs of life. If not, THEN look for reasons why. All of the things that have changed about the offense are reasons it should improve. None of the things that have changed are reasons it should be stagnant, or regress. They are better everywhere, have more experience at the young-and-talented positions, and face an infinitely easier slate of games.

Negativity to this extent with this quantum shift forward in terms of talent and situation isn't devil's advocate; it's irrational pessimism.

Okay I get that everyone views me as the Negative Nellie in here but what did I fabricate?

It seems more like a fabrication to suggest that Rod Streater is so magical and talented that he would have bumped Carr's YPA from terrible to...what? Mediocre?

I have repeatedly stated that I think Carr can be the guy but I simply don't understand why people are anointing him before he has actually accomplished anything.

Rod Streater guys? Rod freaking Streater? Are you kidding me? Look at the pre-Carr and post Carr numbers for all of the Raider's WRs in 2013 & 2014.

Moore 15.1 to 9.6

Rivera 10.7 to 9.2

Holmes 17.2 to 14.7

Streater 14.8 to 9.3 (only 13 targets so I am sure he would have turned that around for the whole team in a huge way, right?)

Butler 11.4 to 13.3 (WINNING!!!)

Come on guys I don't mind if you argue against my lone point (and that is really my only point) but I sincerely take exception to the suggestion that I have an agenda or am making #### up.

Rod ####### Streater? Yeesh,

So we throw a bunch of data out there and the only piece you focus on is Streater, lol.

 

[ICON211]

I'm not going to cross reference Olson coached offenses as it relates to YAC. I've done enough on that front but they had pretty much the same WRs in Oakland in 2013 and the QBs overall YPA was over a yard better.

Raiders ranked 31st in YAC avg in 2014 with 4.5 YAC per reception on 365 receptions. In 2013 they ranked 6th at 6.1 YAC per reception on 298 receptions. I gotta think that has something to do with it no?

Okay but it was the same guys at WR and Olson was the OC. The difference between 2013 and 2014 is the QB(s) not the OC or WRs.

Actually Carr didn't have Streater last season and Streater was by far the Raiders best WR in 2013 when McGloin played.

Also, the running game for Oakland last season was epically bad. That hurt as well.

Don't get me wrong. Carr has a ways to go and a lot to learn yet. I'm not trying to make excuses here but I will wait to see how he does in the regular season before I make any declarations one way or the other on Carr.

Yeah, not sure why the need to completely fabricate arguments to make Carr look worse than he was. Some kind of agenda, but what?

2013: Streater - 100 targets, Moore - 86 targets, Jennings - 48 targets out of the backfield

2014: Jones - 112 targets, Holmes - 99 targets, Rivera - 99 targets, McFadden - 56 targets out of the backfield

Think what you will about the names, but they're certainly not the same, or used in the same way.

These guys were terrible getting YAC. Not surprising, when you read the names. They had hope for Jones, but it was unfounded. The 2013 guys were nothing to write odes to, but were measurably better. And why compare Olson offenses across the years against teams that were running Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, and a young SJax out there? Of course they were 1.5 or 2 yards better each time. Look at the names, man!

It's crazy to be pessimistic about Carr coming off that season with those "weapons." Give the kid a sophomore year with guys orders of magnitude better everywhere but maybe TE, and see if he and they show even more signs of life. If not, THEN look for reasons why. All of the things that have changed about the offense are reasons it should improve. None of the things that have changed are reasons it should be stagnant, or regress. They are better everywhere, have more experience at the young-and-talented positions, and face an infinitely easier slate of games.

Negativity to this extent with this quantum shift forward in terms of talent and situation isn't devil's advocate; it's irrational pessimism.

Okay I get that everyone views me as the Negative Nellie in here but what did I fabricate?

It seems more like a fabrication to suggest that Rod Streater is so magical and talented that he would have bumped Carr's YPA from terrible to...what? Mediocre?

I have repeatedly stated that I think Carr can be the guy but I simply don't understand why people are anointing him before he has actually accomplished anything.

Rod Streater guys? Rod freaking Streater? Are you kidding me? Look at the pre-Carr and post Carr numbers for all of the Raider's WRs in 2013 & 2014.

Moore 15.1 to 9.6

Rivera 10.7 to 9.2

Holmes 17.2 to 14.7

Streater 14.8 to 9.3 (only 13 targets so I am sure he would have turned that around for the whole team in a huge way, right?)

Butler 11.4 to 13.3 (WINNING!!!)

Come on guys I don't mind if you argue against my lone point (and that is really my only point) but I sincerely take exception to the suggestion that I have an agenda or am making #### up.

Rod ####### Streater? Yeesh,

People are going way overboard on Carr. I can't remember who it was, but I heard an NFL commentator describe his rookie year as brilliant. He showed enough last year to give us some optimism, which we badly needed, but that's as far as I'm willing to go.

 

[LawFitz]

He can and hopefully will get better but so far he's been Cutleresque save the attitude. Not bad at all for a rookie, but there is still lots of room for growth, assuming he's able.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Carr is polarizing the Nation. Either he's a franchise savior or he's a bum. Break out the and let's see what we got, Kay?

 

[Freelove]

I'm not going to cross reference Olson coached offenses as it relates to YAC. I've done enough on that front but they had pretty much the same WRs in Oakland in 2013 and the QBs overall YPA was over a yard better.

Raiders ranked 31st in YAC avg in 2014 with 4.5 YAC per reception on 365 receptions. In 2013 they ranked 6th at 6.1 YAC per reception on 298 receptions. I gotta think that has something to do with it no?

Okay but it was the same guys at WR and Olson was the OC. The difference between 2013 and 2014 is the QB(s) not the OC or WRs.

Actually Carr didn't have Streater last season and Streater was by far the Raiders best WR in 2013 when McGloin played.

Also, the running game for Oakland last season was epically bad. That hurt as well.

Don't get me wrong. Carr has a ways to go and a lot to learn yet. I'm not trying to make excuses here but I will wait to see how he does in the regular season before I make any declarations one way or the other on Carr.

Yeah, not sure why the need to completely fabricate arguments to make Carr look worse than he was. Some kind of agenda, but what?

2013: Streater - 100 targets, Moore - 86 targets, Jennings - 48 targets out of the backfield

2014: Jones - 112 targets, Holmes - 99 targets, Rivera - 99 targets, McFadden - 56 targets out of the backfield

Think what you will about the names, but they're certainly not the same, or used in the same way.

These guys were terrible getting YAC. Not surprising, when you read the names. They had hope for Jones, but it was unfounded. The 2013 guys were nothing to write odes to, but were measurably better. And why compare Olson offenses across the years against teams that were running Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, and a young SJax out there? Of course they were 1.5 or 2 yards better each time. Look at the names, man!

It's crazy to be pessimistic about Carr coming off that season with those "weapons." Give the kid a sophomore year with guys orders of magnitude better everywhere but maybe TE, and see if he and they show even more signs of life. If not, THEN look for reasons why. All of the things that have changed about the offense are reasons it should improve. None of the things that have changed are reasons it should be stagnant, or regress. They are better everywhere, have more experience at the young-and-talented positions, and face an infinitely easier slate of games.

Negativity to this extent with this quantum shift forward in terms of talent and situation isn't devil's advocate; it's irrational pessimism.

Okay I get that everyone views me as the Negative Nellie in here but what did I fabricate?

Your entire argument.

You can either like, or dislike, Rod Streater or Denarius Moore. But they're not the same guys as James Jones and Andre Holmes. And they were measurably worse. Likewise, the offenses you wanted to compare the 2014 Raiders to, vis a vis Olson's other O's, were in general far more talented.

I don't know what agenda you might have, nor why. But don't throw up your arms and gasp in wonder at why people might question it. Your points are irrational. I mean that in the most textbook way possible. They do not in any way follow the tenets of reason. Your whole argument was that Rod Streater is Andre Holmes. You don't see that as a little loopy? Nobody's saying Rod Streater is Jerry Rice. We're saying that there's evidence he and Moore were better than Jones and Holmes. Just that there's evidence, and it's worth evaluating each season very differently given all the differences -- QB, WR's, guys out of the backfield, AND OC.

Think of those guys what you wish, but even the direst cynic has to recognize they're not the same person, which renders comparing 2013 QB'ing numbers with 2014 QB'ing numbers an apples-to-rhinoceroses comparison. And maybe more importantly, one needs to recognize that both Cooper and Crabtree are leaps and bounds above either. So contrasting 2014 Carr + Weapons with the 2015 versions makes sense. Contrasting the 2013 Raiders with anything about this lot makes no sense whatsoever.

You're really far out in left field on some of this.

 

[joey]

I'm fine with Streater being way down the depth chart. I'd like to see A LOT more of Butler on the field in 3WR sets. Heck, even in 2 WR sets with cooper on the other side. I like that kid.

 

[Faust]

Sio Moore's Raiders future up in the air?

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000520480/article/sio-moores-raiders-future-up-in-the-air

 

[Faust]

Derek Carr, Amari Cooper working to 'clean up' some issues:

http://espn.go.com/blog/oakland-raiders/post/_/id/12399/derek-carr-amari-cooper-working-to-clean-up-some-issues

 

[ICON211]

I don't think Rod Streater and Denarius Moore are measurably better than James Jones and Andre Holmes. I think they are very similar actually.

 

[Chaka]

Carr is polarizing the Nation. Either he's a franchise savior or he's a bum. Break out the and let's see what we got, Kay?

I really hope people don't think I am suggesting Carr is a bum. I have tried really hard to emphasize that I sincerely believe that Carr brings a lot of reason for optimism to the table. But it seems that many people in here only see the fact that I am critical about his lack of production pressing the ball downfield and think I am calling him a bust. That simply is not the case.

 

[Chaka]

I'm not going to cross reference Olson coached offenses as it relates to YAC. I've done enough on that front but they had pretty much the same WRs in Oakland in 2013 and the QBs overall YPA was over a yard better.

Raiders ranked 31st in YAC avg in 2014 with 4.5 YAC per reception on 365 receptions. In 2013 they ranked 6th at 6.1 YAC per reception on 298 receptions. I gotta think that has something to do with it no?

Okay but it was the same guys at WR and Olson was the OC. The difference between 2013 and 2014 is the QB(s) not the OC or WRs.

Actually Carr didn't have Streater last season and Streater was by far the Raiders best WR in 2013 when McGloin played.

Also, the running game for Oakland last season was epically bad. That hurt as well.

Don't get me wrong. Carr has a ways to go and a lot to learn yet. I'm not trying to make excuses here but I will wait to see how he does in the regular season before I make any declarations one way or the other on Carr.

Yeah, not sure why the need to completely fabricate arguments to make Carr look worse than he was. Some kind of agenda, but what?

2013: Streater - 100 targets, Moore - 86 targets, Jennings - 48 targets out of the backfield

2014: Jones - 112 targets, Holmes - 99 targets, Rivera - 99 targets, McFadden - 56 targets out of the backfield

Think what you will about the names, but they're certainly not the same, or used in the same way.

These guys were terrible getting YAC. Not surprising, when you read the names. They had hope for Jones, but it was unfounded. The 2013 guys were nothing to write odes to, but were measurably better. And why compare Olson offenses across the years against teams that were running Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, and a young SJax out there? Of course they were 1.5 or 2 yards better each time. Look at the names, man!

It's crazy to be pessimistic about Carr coming off that season with those "weapons." Give the kid a sophomore year with guys orders of magnitude better everywhere but maybe TE, and see if he and they show even more signs of life. If not, THEN look for reasons why. All of the things that have changed about the offense are reasons it should improve. None of the things that have changed are reasons it should be stagnant, or regress. They are better everywhere, have more experience at the young-and-talented positions, and face an infinitely easier slate of games.

Negativity to this extent with this quantum shift forward in terms of talent and situation isn't devil's advocate; it's irrational pessimism.

Okay I get that everyone views me as the Negative Nellie in here but what did I fabricate?

It seems more like a fabrication to suggest that Rod Streater is so magical and talented that he would have bumped Carr's YPA from terrible to...what? Mediocre?

I have repeatedly stated that I think Carr can be the guy but I simply don't understand why people are anointing him before he has actually accomplished anything.

Rod Streater guys? Rod freaking Streater? Are you kidding me? Look at the pre-Carr and post Carr numbers for all of the Raider's WRs in 2013 & 2014.

Moore 15.1 to 9.6

Rivera 10.7 to 9.2

Holmes 17.2 to 14.7

Streater 14.8 to 9.3 (only 13 targets so I am sure he would have turned that around for the whole team in a huge way, right?)

Butler 11.4 to 13.3 (WINNING!!!)

Come on guys I don't mind if you argue against my lone point (and that is really my only point) but I sincerely take exception to the suggestion that I have an agenda or am making #### up.

Rod ####### Streater? Yeesh,

So we throw a bunch of data out there and the only piece you focus on is Streater, lol.

That's not even remotely what happened there.

 

[massraider]

I get where you coming from, Chaka. Funny thing is, people tend to go either way, either can't stand a guy, or pump him up too much. You're in the middle, I think.

The tendency I get annoyed by, is new players that need to overcome preconceived notions, because of what the pre-draft groupthink is.

Everyone praised Gabe Jackson, so Raider Nation loved him from day one. Everyone called Edwards a reach, and the guy gets no love for killing it in the preseason.

We as fans need to let the players show up, and earn our praise or scorn.

 

[LawFitz]

Entire 1st D except for Hayden have looked solid, starting first and most with Mack truck. It is preseason, but it's been a while since I've seen the D look like this.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Entire 1st D except for Hayden have looked solid, starting first and most with Mack truck. It is preseason, but it's been a while since I've seen the D look like this.

would you draft them as your team defense in FF?

 

[Chaka]

Entire 1st D except for Hayden have looked solid, starting first and most with Mack truck. It is preseason, but it's been a while since I've seen the D look like this.

would you draft them as your team defense in FF?

The way JDR is going to use Mack will cause a lot of disruption and provide big play opportunities. Mack makes the entire defense better. So long as the offense doesn't hang them out to dry they should be worth a flier.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Entire 1st D except for Hayden have looked solid, starting first and most with Mack truck. It is preseason, but it's been a while since I've seen the D look like this.

would you draft them as your team defense in FF?

In one of my leagues they got drafted, ironically by a Denver fan. Who I might add I've played against for years and is a very saavy owner, IMO.

 

[LawFitz]

Entire 1st D except for Hayden have looked solid, starting first and most with Mack truck. It is preseason, but it's been a while since I've seen the D look like this.

would you draft them as your team defense in FF?

I stream my D's and they are on my radar.

 

[Faust]

Malcolm Smith: Khalil Mack most dominant I've seen

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000520906/article/malcolm-smith-khalil-mack-most-dominant-ive-seen

 

[massraider]

4th preseason game means nothing, everyone claims. Yet Raiders Twitter reads like a eulogy.

 

[ICON211]

A couple people in here were high on Lockett during the draft, wish Raiders had taken him.

 

[No. 16]

Anyone who claims that Carr is a sure fire franchise QB is crazy. He has the talent and attitude to be one. He's worth seeing if he develops into one, but he isn't one for sure.

The preseason did nothing to alleviate my concerns regarding Carr, which is decision making and ability to handle pressure. I think Carr can physically throw the deep ball but right now his brain is wired to favor short throws rather than taking shots downfield. When there's a pass rush and the flat or short throw isn't open...that's when Carr gets into trouble. He's good at throwing the ball away if it's a for sure sack, but you notice his INT are in that middle zone where the pocket is compromised but he hads a moment to make a play. Most of the time the play that Carr makes is a INT or near one into double coverage.

Now this is where people say he has better weapons this year and play calling, but as of now. No one knows for sure. He's a worthy contender for the title of franchise QB, but he's still has to earn it.

With that said I'd rather have Carr than Kap.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Sio Moore gone?

 

[Casting Couch]

Sio Moore gone?

That's a shocker. New England ?

 

[Casting Couch]

Sio Moore gone?

That's a shocker. New England ?

Must be that surgically repaired hip. Didn't expect him to be gone.

 

[ICON211]

Sio Moore gone?

That's a shocker. New England ?

Must be that surgically repaired hip. Didn't expect him to be gone.

Is he officially cut? He seems to have problems with the coaching staff.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Sio Moore gone?

That's a shocker. New England ?

Must be that surgically repaired hip. Didn't expect him to be gone.

Is he officially cut? He seems to have problems with the coaching staff.

Not sure if he was cut or traded, but

He's gone, he's gone, nothing's gonna bring him back...... He's Gone. (Grateful Dead - 1972)

 

[Raider Nation]

Sio Moore traded to Indy for late-round pick

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Sio Moore traded to Indy for late-round pick

6th

 

[Casting Couch]

A steal for the Dolts

 

[ICON211]

Trent Richardson got $600k, Ponder got $1.5M. Maybe we could sign better players if we didn't give money away to bad ones.

 

[LawFitz]

Sio Moore trade is a real headscratcher for me. He better have major personality and/or injury issues or we got fleeced on this one.

 

[ICON211]

Sio Moore trade is a real headscratcher for me. He better have major personality and/or injury issues or we got fleeced on this one.

Yes, not really in a position to be giving good players away.

 

[Raider Nation]

This told me everything I needed to know:

Vic Tafur ‏@VicTafur 22 hours ago

Asked Del Rio about Moore not coming in until 4th quarter: "Guys get what they earn."

If you read between the lines, Moore is obviously not a hard worker. I applaud Jack/Reggie for getting rid of the dead weight. Let's stand behind this coach until he gives us a reason not to.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Very happy to have gotten any kind of draft pick for Sio Moore. He's coming back from serious hip injury. There's no given he will recover 100%. Look at what happened to Bo. From what I saw of Sio this preseason he looked sluggish, and was jogging out plays. I did not see the fiery Sio of old. Add to that he's had attitude issues with Dennis Allen and Tony Sparano and I'm glad we have a strong leadership in JDR and KNJ. I applaud the exodus of Sio. For now it looks like Ray Ray is our base SAM. But we have some depth behind him to rotate in nickel packages.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

I really like what i saw from Seth Roberts ...hope he makes the team again

 

[Toomuchnv]

http://www.battleredblog.com/2015/9/5/9266003/texans-exploring-trade-scenarios-for-charles-james-and-jumal-rolle

If this is really true, I hope the Raiders make an offer for Charles James....the guy seems to have a great attitude and is decent talent wise. This team could really use some more DB depth.

 

[massraider]

Here’s a look at the Raiders’ current 53-man roster. It’s always a fluid situation, especially with some areas that could use an upgrade (secondary, backup offensive line being the biggest needs).
Quarterbacks
Derek Carr, Matt McGloin: McGloin beat out Christian Ponder to serve as the backup and the Raiders have too many other needs elsewhere to have three QBs. If the Raiders have to go beyond these two, they’re in trouble already and Ponder or someone else out there of his caliber would probably be available.

Running backs
Latavius Murray, Roy Helu Jr., Taiwan Jones: Murray’s the lead back, Helu’s the third-down back, Jones is the change of pace and probably handle kick returns.

Fullbacks
Marcel Reece, Jamize Olawale: Reece also provides protection at tailback and Olawale is the true fullback and has special teams value.

Wide receivers
Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Rod Streater, Andre Holmes, Brice Butler, Seth Roberts: Cooper and Crabtree are your starters. Who’s the No. 3? Still up in the air. Holmes is coming back from a broken hand and Butler and Roberts have looked good. Streater is still getting back up to speed. Any way it’s sliced, this group is solid and has great depth.

Tight ends
Lee Smith, Mychal Rivera, Clive Walford, Gabe Holmes: Didn’t expect the Raiders to keep four, which might not be a great sign about Walford’s health.

Offensive line
Donald Penn, Gabe Jackson, Rodney Hudson, J’Marcus Webb, Austin Howard, Khalif Barnes, Jon Feliciano, Matt McCants, Tony Bergstrom: Bergstrom may have been a surprise, but not so much when you consider he played the whole game Thursday at center. Feliciano can play there, but doesn’t look like the Raiders think he’s ready. McCants had an awful final preseason game, but had been pretty good before then.


Defensive line
Khalil Mack, Justin Tuck, Dan Williams, Justin Ellis, Denico Autry, Benson Mayowa, Mario Edwards Jr., Stacy McGee: The Raiders still list Mack at LB, but that’s not fooling anybody. A guy like Autry may not start, but he can be impactful. Mayowa is a good depth guy who is gaining experience playing SAM linebacker too. Edwards has a chance to develop into a good pass rusher.

Linebackers
Curtis Lofton, Ray-Ray Armstrong, Malcolm Smith, Lorenzo Alexander, Ben Heeney, Neiron Ball: Not a group to get wildly excited about. Could be another area to try to upgrade.

Cornerbacks
TJ Carrie, DJ Hayden, Keith McGill, Neiko Thorpe, Dexter McDonald, SaQuan Edward, Chimdi Chekwa: The fact that none of the other five CBs on the roster have provided a serious threat to supplant Hayden tells you what you need to know. Help is needed here.

Safeties
Charles Woodson, Nate Allen, Larry Asante: Anybody really think the Raiders go into the season with just three safeties?

Specialists
K Sebastian Janikowski, P Marquette King, LS Jon Condo: Solid group there. No return specialists, meaning for now it’s probably Taiwan Jones and TJ Carrie.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

@LeviDamien: #Raiders claim safety Keenan Lambert from Seahawks http://t.co/LHGaFBf3uthttp://t.co/K2rzMIEhGw

 

[massraider]

Raiders claimed a safety from Seattle on waivers, Keenan Lambert, that's the half-brother of Kam Chancellor.

I wonder what it would take to trade for Kam.

 

[Raider Nation]

‏@VicTafur

On new #Raiders depth chart, Rivera is starting TE; Jones listed ahead of Helu at No. 2 RB; and Roberts ahead of Butler at backup WR

 

[massraider]

OK, so am I excited about Roberts, or disappointed in Butler?

 

[Raider Nation]

OK, so am I excited about Roberts, or disappointed in Butler?

I was more surprised about the Helu news.

 

[Chaka]

OK, so am I excited about Roberts, or disappointed in Butler?

I was more surprised about the Helu news.

I am not sure it means that Jones gets more playing time. Helu will still likely be the guy in third/passing down situations.

 

[massraider]

OK, so am I excited about Roberts, or disappointed in Butler?

I was more surprised about the Helu news.

Meh. Special Teams gunner. More a nod to health, than anything. Hope Walford gets healthy soon. Annoying after a nice spring.

 

[DocHolliday]

OK, so am I excited about Roberts, or disappointed in Butler?

I was more surprised about the Helu news.

Depth charts

OK, so am I excited about Roberts, or disappointed in Butler?

I was more surprised about the Helu news.

I am not sure it means that Jones gets more playing time. Helu will still likely be the guy in third/passing down situations.

I just came in to write this as well. Helu has his role. Interesting to see what Jones does with his touches. Could be a nice COP.

 

[cstu]

‏@VicTafur

On new #Raiders depth chart, Rivera is starting TE; Jones listed ahead of Helu at No. 2 RB; and Roberts ahead of Butler at backup WR

He's not really the backup though, is he?

 

[32 Counter Pass]

My guess is the depth chart thing is a motivational tactic. The staff doesn't take missing practice time lightly as the trading of Sio Moore seems to indicate. When the bullets start flying Helu will be the primary COP.

 

[IHEARTFF]

How did Dyer not even make the PS?

 

[joey]

OK, so am I excited about Roberts, or disappointed in Butler?

Ha! My thoughts EXACTLY!I'd be more upset for Butler if Roberts didn't look so good in the preseason. As long as Streater isn't #3 I'm happy (I'm rooting for him but he hasn't had the spark I remember from a couple years ago. Still needs time for fully come back, I hope).

I'm all for an unknown, spark plug like Roberts in our 3WR sets. Been so long since we've had promising prospects at so many positions.