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2016 Oakland Raiders thread (2 Viewers)

Really stinks that Aldon is blowing it. 

On the other hand here is a nice article about out O-Line depth. The talent Reggie has infused throughout the roster is amazing. We are going to have trouble keeping all these good players-but that is a nice problem to have. 

http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2016/7/24/12206914/oakland-raiders-rookie-scouting-report-vadal-alexander

The Raiders seventh round pick may very well end up becoming one of the biggest steals in the entire 2016 NFL Draft. Here is what Vadal Alexanderbrings to the table and how he will contribute with the Raiders.


Measurables:


Height: 6'5"

Weight: 326 lbs

Arm Length: 35 ¼"

Hand Size: 10 ½"


Awards:


2015: Second-Team All-American, First-Team All-SEC


 


2014: Second-Team All-SEC

2012: Second-Team Freshman All-American, Freshman All-SEC


Strengths:


Vadal Alexander is a mammoth of an offensive guard that is a near clone to Raiders Gabe Jackson. Entering his third year, Jackson has become one of the top offensive guards in the NFL, and I would not bat an eye if Alexander ends up there in a couple years as well.

Alexander is a mauler in the run game, but also is a productive pass blocker. He offers the Raiders great versatility as he played both offensive tackle and guard while at LSU. This could become extremely valuable as the Raiders offensive line has struggled to stay healthy in the past. Alexander is also very experienced as a four-year starter in one of the toughest conferences in college football.


Weaknesses:


Plain and simple, Jackson's stock plummeted because he ran the slowest 40-yard dash of any offensive lineman, by a long shot. What is interesting is that his 40-yard dash time is identical to Gabe Jackson's time coming out of Mississippi State. Both Jackson and Alexander were written off because of their slow feet.


What he brings to the Raiders:


If it wasn't for the signing of Kelechi Osemele, Vadal Alexander would most likely enter the 2016 season as the Raiders starting right guard. But with both Jackson and Osemele as the starting offensive guards, Alexander will be used as depth.


 


The Raiders offensive line has struggled to stay healthy, so having a quality plug in player like Alexander is an extremely valuable asset. Overall, Santa Claus gifted the Silver and Black a projected third round player in the seventh round

 
If it turns out the Alexander and/or Kirkland and/or Feliciano are players, it could lead to some interesting decisions next year. Osemele to LT? Or what if, and this is sad, we let Gabe go because we have a cheaper option at LG?

If Osemele moves to LT, we can pay Gabe. But paying two top OG is tough. Not impossible, but tough. I don't wanna count on Penn past this year. LT might be top priority next offseason. 

 
^^^ I'm thinking the plan is to save the money and let Gabe turn into a 3rd or 4th round supplemental pick for Reg in 2018. It only makes sense if 7th rd Vadal lives up to the hype.

 
LawFitz said:
^^^ I'm thinking the plan is to save the money and let Gabe turn into a 3rd or 4th round supplemental pick for Reg in 2018. It only makes sense if 7th rd Vadal lives up to the hype.
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They hype of being a 7th round draft pick?

 
Looks like the only players on the PUP list to start camp are Greg Townsend (legacy PS suad seems like his best outcome), Roy Helu (who I think might actually be deceased, and they are just trolling us), and Vadal Alexander.

No word on why he's not healthy, but I always hate when young players start out injured.  Seems like often times, it sticks to them.  Availablility is just as important as ability.  

 
massraider said:
Looks like the only players on the PUP list to start camp are Greg Townsend (legacy PS suad seems like his best outcome), Roy Helu (who I think might actually be deceased, and they are just trolling us), and Vadal Alexander.

No word on why he's not healthy, but I always hate when young players start out injured.  Seems like often times, it sticks to them.  Availablility is just as important as ability.  
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Just checked the Raiders website. Vadal was put on the non- football related injury list. Not sure what that means. Maybe he's over weight? 

 
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Bruno2 said:
Just checked the Raiders website. Vadal was put on the non- football related injury list. Not sure what that means. Maybe he's over weight? 
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NFI means he hurt himself when not working with the team.  The team is not required to pay him while he's on this list, although most do as a sign of goodwill.

 
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2016/7/27/12303018/oakland-raiders-training-camp-preview-roster-locks-bubble-watch

We are now a day away from the Raiders reporting to Napa for training camp. The rookies and select players arrived for pre-camp warm-up earlier this week and the rest of the team arrives tomorrow. From the moment many of those players take the field, more than half of them will be in a fierce battle for a roster spot.

Here are those players who are locks, best bets and on the bubble.


 



Offense



Locks:


QB Derek Carr, RB Latavius Murray, WR Amari Cooper, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Clive Walford, LT Donald Penn, LG Kelechi Osemele, C Rodney Hudson, RG Gabe Jackson


Best bets:


QB Matt McGloin, QB Connor Cook, RB DeAndre Washington, FB Jamize Olawale , WR Seth Roberts, TE Lee Smith, RT Menelik Watson, RT Austin Howard


On the bubble:


Taiwan Jones – He must continue to show he is the team’s best option in three phases – as a back out of the spread, as a gunner, and as a kick returner.

Marcel Reece – Being suspended the first three games may actually work in his favor. The team will have time to either work out who they can afford to cut when Reece returns, or decide whether they truly miss his presence in the offense.

Roy Helu, Jr. – Saying he’s on the bubble may be generous. He’s only still here because injuries kept the team from cutting him before his 2016 salary was guaranteed. He has been placed on PUP to begin camp. When/if he passes a physical, they could keep him for camp or just cut ties with him at that time.


 


Andre Holmes – He’s still here because the team has no other receiver like him. His height and length make him a mismatch on jump balls, while his instincts and hands aren’t quite up to par. The Raiders let him test free agency before bringing him back, so unless Holmes finds something extra, the team could look to upgrade from him.

Joe Hansley, Max McCaffrey, Jaydon Mickens – These three undrafted rookies are the favorites for the fifth and likely final wide receiver spot on the team. Right now Hansley looks to have moved inside the bubble, but a lot could change during camp to shift this order around.

Mychal Rivera, Gabe Holmes – Rivera is entering the final season of his rookie contract. Holmes is entering his second camp after impressing coaches last year. It’s not out of the realm of possibility the team keeps both, but they would both have to really show up in camp that that to happen.

Matt McCants, Vadal Alexander – McCants and Alexander can both play tackle or guard. It’s a tough call between them. McCants has more experience and has backed up every positions but center. Alexander is a rookie draft pick which could offer him some time to develop. Though he will be starting camp on the Non-football injury list, which isn’t good news for his hopes to compete for this spot. Do they keep both perhaps? Very possible.

Jon Feliciano – With the addition of Kelechi Osemele, Feliciano’s chances of being a starter just went out the door. The Raiders have been trying him as the backup center as well as guard, hoping he can fill that role. If he struggles, there are two undrafted rookies in Oni Omoile and Ross Burbank who would love that job.

 
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2016/7/27/12303244/oakland-raiders-training-camp-preview-roster-locks-bubble-watch-cont-d


Defense, Special teams



Locks:


DE Mario Edwards Jr, DL Jihad Ward, DT Dan Williams, OLB Khalil Mack, ILB Malcolm Smith, OLB Bruce Irvin, CB David Amerson, CB Sean Smith, FS Reggie Nelson, SS Karl Joseph, LS Jon Condo, P Marquette King, K Sebastian Janikowski


Best bets:


DE Denico Autry, NT Justin Ellis, ILB Ben Heeney, LB Shilique Calhoun, LB Neiron Ball, CB TJ Carrie


 



On the Bubble:


Damontre Moore – This former third round pick is on his third team in the past three years. He has a lot to prove to make this Raiders roster.

Stacy McGee, Leon Orr – Would the team keep three reserve defensive tackles? If they were simply the best players on the team, they might. Otherwise, these two will most likely be battling each other for a roster spot.

Daren Bates, Cory James, Korey Toomer – Seeing these three as linebackers is short sighted. If they make the squad it will be for what they bring to the team from a special teams aspect. It could be these three are battling for two roster spots.

James Cowser – He was considered a potential mid round talent who somehow fell out of the draft. He looked good in offseason practices. As an undrafted rookie, he is looking to get inside that bubble.

DJ Hayden – This isn’t just Hayden’s last chance to prove his worth as a former number one pick, it’s his last chance to prove he is worthy of a roster spot. He fell down the depth chart to fourth last season and now has another starter in Sean Smith ahead of him.


 


Neiko Thorpe – He was retained on a second round RFA tender, showing the value the Raiders place on him as a reserve corner and special teamer. He was injured in the offseason, which gave the team a long look at some other hopefuls. Thorpe will have to come back strong in camp and continue to earn his spot.

SaQwan Edwards, Dexter McDonald – Edwards was a camp standout last year and earned a place on the practice squad. He will be pushing the above two for a roster spot this season. McDonald was a 7th round pick by the Raiders in 2015, appearing in six games as a rookie The cornerback unit was the weakest on the team last year. Not the case this year, making earning a spot that much more difficult.

Nate Allen – After signing a 4-year deal last offseason, he was placed on injured reserve twice last season, appearing in just five games. Following the season, he was cut and re-signed to a one-year deal. A year after being the starting free safety entering the season, he now battles for a roster spot.

Keith McGill – The team switched this former 4th round pick to safety as they think it gives him a better shot at seeing the field. It should be a good move.

Brynden Trawick, Dewey McDonald, Jimmy Hall – Trawick was signed this offseason, primarily for his special teams prowess and as we know, special teams play is a must for reserve safeties. McDonald saw some first team reps this offseason with Karl Joseph and Reggie Nelson not participating. Hall is a former linebacker the Raiders like enough as an all-around player to bring back to compete for a roster spot as a safety. These three will all fight with Allen and McGill for two reserve safety spots and perhaps an additional specialist job.

 
Helu released, ending a weird, mysterious relationship. Never was healthy, but no one knows when he was hurt.  

Released to make room for Derek Lott, a defensive tackle that rings a bell somewhere.

 
massraider said:
Helu released, ending a weird, mysterious relationship. Never was healthy, but no one knows when he was hurt.  

Released to make room for Derek Lott, a defensive tackle that rings a bell somewhere.
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2015 - NFL Draft profile



OVERVIEW


Played in East-West Shrine Game. Selected first-team All-SoCon in 2014 after being granted a sixth season of eligibility following a season-ending left elbow injury four games into 2013 season. Teamed with 2015 draft prospect Davis Tull to harass quarterbacks all season. Second-team All-SoCon in 2012. Initially signed with Georgia and was there in 2009 and 2010. Redshirted in 2009 with a broken ankle. Lived with his football coach during high school to add stability to his life.


ANALYSIS



STRENGTHS

 Georgia transfer who is technically savvy. Has a good feel and instincts for where linemen are headed and where blocks are coming from. Excels with his hands. Gets into opponents quickly with a strong jolt and plays with necessary power and technique to unhinge and discard blockers. Finishes as a tackler and has an adequate tackle radius. Well-schooled pass rusher bringing several moves and counters to the party.

WEAKNESSES

 Played in just five games over his first two seasons at Georgia and was unable to push for playing time. Was a 2009 redshirt and was 23 and 24 years old when dominating against younger, less-talented players at UT-Chattanooga. Comes off the snap a little upright and must remember to maintain bend.

DRAFT PROJECTION

 Round 5

BOTTOM LINE


 Skilled pass rusher who understands the position and was simply too athletic and too talented for most of the competition he faced while at Tennessee-Chattanooga. Is a natural fit as a three-technique in a 4-3 defense, but could garner consideration as a 3-4 defensive end if he can prove he's strong enough.

 
^^^ Ultimately went undrafted and landed on the Titans practice squad last year. Had a cup of coffee with the Eagles during OTAs this offseason, but eventually was cut.

Seems like we waived Helu more to be done with Helu than to jump on Derek Lott.

 
JT The Brick ‏@JTTheBrick  18m18 minutes ago
I just introduced #Raiders owner Mark Davis in Napa as he extended Reggie McKenzie's 4 years on his existing contract. Huge moment! #NFL

Scott Bair ‏@BairCSN  3m3 minutes ago
Just got off the phone w/Mark Davis, who confirmed that Reggie McKenzie has been given a 4-year contract extension. "He has 5 more drafts"

Paul Gutierrez ‏@PGutierrezESPN  5m5 minutes ago
"I didn't want him to become a free agent," #Raiders owner #MarkDavis told me of extending GM #ReggieMcKenzie. "It was time to honor him."

 
 
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Wide Receiver Amari Cooper

Wide receiver Amari Cooper and tight endClive Walford are enjoying their second training camp with the Raiders. Both players took time to speak with the media about their confidence and comfort within offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave’s system.

Here are the quick hits from their time at the podium:

Wide Receiver Amari Cooper:

Cooper expressed his feelings about rooming with quarterback Derek Carr and how it benefits their relationship.

“Just getting to know each other more, that’s always a good thing. We get to talk more, so I guess that’s basically the biggest thing. We talk about each other as a person, and we talk about the plays that we run.”

Entering his second camp, Cooper feels comfortable with the expectations and noted that this camp feels a little different.

“Yeah it feels a lot different. I know the expectation, I know the players I'm going against better and I feel more comfortable. I feel like I'm more experienced and I feel like I know what to do out there.”

The additions of safeties Reggie Nelsonand Karl Joseph in the secondary present a good challenge for Cooper during practice.

“Yeah, they are a very smart group. That’s the biggest thing I’ve seen from them and they just know a lot. A lot of times they are onto the routes that we may think we are going to be open a lot, so that’s a good thing.”

Tight End Clive Walford:

The chemistry with Carr is something Walford cares about developing more in his second year.

“Just building chemistry with him. It was a great thing that I had the opportunity to play with him last year. During the offseason, when the coaches and some of the training staff allowed me to, I went out with him and caught some balls. So, I think the chemistry is still there, I just have to get back into football shape.”

With some expectations attached to him, Walford is focused on continuing to work hard and developing his game.

“I just continue to do what I’ve been doing, working hard ever since I was at Miami. If you work hard, it’ll start to show. I guess that’s what it’s doing.”

Walford plans on taking advantage of his match-ups, because wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree demand extra attention.

“I do think so, because with those two great receivers that we have, they’re going to draw a lot of attention. So, you can’t double team one or the other, so that leaves a lot of one-on-one matchups.”

 
Rookie safety Karl Joseph secured his first interception in Silver and Black – albeit it in practice – Saturday afternoon, as he leapt up and brought down an errant pass that was thrown as a result of a miscommunication between the quarterback and wide receiver. After hauling in the football, he was immediately greeted and congratulated by defensive endKhalil Mack.

- Cornerback DJ Hayden also enjoyed a second consecutive positive day on the football field, bringing down an impressive interception during the team's seven-on-seven drills.

Day 2 secondary notables. I think Joseph is gonna be a player! Good to hear positive things coming out of camp about DJ too.

 
So Neiko Thorpe took a $2 mil pay cut, which is interesting to me.

I am fascinated by the roster battles at the back of the defensive backfield, and I truly don't know if this means he is guaranteed a roster spot or what.

Neiko played S and CB, yes?  I thought he did.  That versatility might ensure him a spot over Trawick or my man Dexter.

 
DocHolliday said:
Shouldn't be possible. Reggie earned that extension. 
Click to expand...
He's referring to people like me that have been slow adopters to slobbing the knob of a guy after not enough definitive info.  He was hasty in 2012 firing Hue and going with Allen and other decisions, particularly cutting guys that didn't need to be cut.  Got shafted on the Carson Palmer trade.  2013 wasn't good at all and last year at this time I/we wanted to see more than one good (great?) year out of a promising, but only one year, 2014 draft, a meh 2014 RFA, and 2015 draft + UFA that hadn't even hit the field yet.  Caution was warranted.

I'm definitely warming up. 2014 draft is legit, 2014 FA flamed out on the field but probably brought a lot of professionalism and character building to a young team that needed it (and looks like they embraced it).  2015 draft is still young but very exciting, and 2015 FA had significant impact on the field.  Great snag getting Amerson.  2016 draft is too soon to tell obviously but with the last two classes' success, there's a lot of reason to just trust it so I will.  2016 FA class looks absolutely beastly.  If this pans out it's three straight years of big success and that's what it takes to build legit contenders.  Talk to me this time next year because I'm likely to be fully on board by then.  Right now I'm excited by the trend but realize we ain't there yet.

 
Hankmoody said:
He's referring to people like me that have been slow adopters to slobbing the knob of a guy after not enough definitive info.  He was hasty in 2012 firing Hue and going with Allen and other decisions, particularly cutting guys that didn't need to be cut.  Got shafted on the Carson Palmer trade.  2013 wasn't good at all and last year at this time I/we wanted to see more than one good (great?) year out of a promising, but only one year, 2014 draft, a meh 2014 RFA, and 2015 draft + UFA that hadn't even hit the field yet.  Caution was warranted.

I'm definitely warming up. 2014 draft is legit, 2014 FA flamed out on the field but probably brought a lot of professionalism and character building to a young team that needed it (and looks like they embraced it).  2015 draft is still young but very exciting, and 2015 FA had significant impact on the field.  Great snag getting Amerson.  2016 draft is too soon to tell obviously but with the last two classes' success, there's a lot of reason to just trust it so I will.  2016 FA class looks absolutely beastly.  If this pans out it's three straight years of big success and that's what it takes to build legit contenders.  Talk to me this time next year because I'm likely to be fully on board by then.  Right now I'm excited by the trend but realize we ain't there yet.
Click to expand...
10 years ago we had Tom ''bed n breakfast'' Walsh as the offensive coordinater .......we are a LOOOOOONG way from that debacle .....the direction this team is headed is so far above and beyond where we were the last decade that pride in the RAIDERS is back ...both for the fans and the organization....Reggie is a HUGE part of that

 
Hankmoody said:
He's referring to people like me that have been slow adopters to slobbing the knob of a guy after not enough definitive info.  He was hasty in 2012 firing Hue and going with Allen and other decisions, particularly cutting guys that didn't need to be cut.  Got shafted on the Carson Palmer trade.  2013 wasn't good at all and last year at this time I/we wanted to see more than one good (great?) year out of a promising, but only one year, 2014 draft, a meh 2014 RFA, and 2015 draft + UFA that hadn't even hit the field yet.  Caution was warranted.

I'm definitely warming up. 2014 draft is legit, 2014 FA flamed out on the field but probably brought a lot of professionalism and character building to a young team that needed it (and looks like they embraced it).  2015 draft is still young but very exciting, and 2015 FA had significant impact on the field.  Great snag getting Amerson.  2016 draft is too soon to tell obviously but with the last two classes' success, there's a lot of reason to just trust it so I will.  2016 FA class looks absolutely beastly.  If this pans out it's three straight years of big success and that's what it takes to build legit contenders.  Talk to me this time next year because I'm likely to be fully on board by then.  Right now I'm excited by the trend but realize we ain't there yet.
Click to expand...


You, sir, are a hard one to please. I have been a "Show Me" / Doubting Thomas kinda guy that was wary of Reggie's earlier years as well, but at this point, he's shown me.

At the very least, would you agree that things have gone the right way more than they have the wrong way under Reggie?

 
BustedKnuckles said:
10 years ago we had Tom ''bed n breakfast'' Walsh as the offensive coordinater .......we are a LOOOOOONG way from that debacle .....the direction this team is headed is so far above and beyond where we were the last decade that pride in the RAIDERS is back ...both for the fans and the organization....Reggie is a HUGE part of that
Click to expand...
Reggie is all of that. No question.  But really, how LOOOOOONG a way have we come?  We haven't yet won a playoff game yet let alone become legit contenders.  It's great that we aren't a laughing stock and all but I'm shooting for more than that.  Look, I'm not criticizing the guy nor doubting it will end well.  Quite the opposite, I'm very, very optimistic for the future.  But until the future is the past and includes playoff appearances and legit contention,  I'm not cannonizing him just yet.  Trust me, I would love to be able to say "wow, Reggie got us back to Raider glory days".  

 
So, without further ado, here is my start of training camp 53 man roster projection:

Quarterback (3)

Derek Carr
Matt McGloin
Connor Cook

I still think it’s more likely than not that the Raiders will keep three quarterbacks on their roster this season. But this is the exact kind of thing that I was talking about above. This is an opinion that could easily change depending on how things go in training camp and the preseason.

Running Back (5)

Latavius Murray
DeAndre Washington
Taiwan Jones
Jamize Olawale
George Atkinson, III

With Roy Helu, Jr. starting camp on the PUP list, it seems less and less likely that he will be able to lock down a roster spot this season. Despite just signing with the team last offseason, he may already be on his way out of town. Replacing him from my last list is George Atkinson III, who gets added primarily for his special teams value and would likely be cut when Marcel Reece comes back from suspension.

Wide Receiver (5)

Amari Cooper
Michael Crabtree
Seth Roberts
Andre Holmes
Johny Holton

The only change to this group comes at the number five receiver spot where Johnny Holton takes the place of Max McCaffrey. Early in the process, McCaffrey was the talk of the town in large part because of his father. But as training camp begins, we are hearing the name Johnny Holton more and more. There will be a fierce competition among UDFAs for that final wide receiver spot and so far, it’s very much up in the air. But if Holton continues to perform like he has at the start of camp, the spot could be his.

Tight End (4)

Clive Walford
Lee Smith
Mychal Rivera
Gabe Holmes

This is a whole lot of tight ends to carry on your roster, but for the moment, the Raiders have the room to carry the extra man. They will do this in large part because Mychal Rivera will have some trade value and Gabe Holmes may not be quite ready to play a larger role in the offense.

Offensive Line (9)

Donald Penn
Kelechi Osemele
Rodney Hudson
Gabe Jackson
Menelik Watson
Austin Howard
John Feliciano
Matt McCants
Vadal Alexander

This group seems fairly set in stone with the only question being whether or not Mitch Bell, who has been with the team since last season, can crack a roster spot this season. If so, it could mean the end of the road for Matt McCants or Vadal Alexander.

Defensive Line (8)

Khalil Mack
Mario Edwards, Jr.
Dan Williams
Denico Autry
Jihad Ward
Shilique Calhoun
Justin Ellis
Leon Orr

If there is a surprise in this group, it would have to be Leon Orr, a practice squad player who I believe could be another hidden gem like Denico Autry. Orr is a big boy who would add depth up the gut of the defensive line and might even be able to slide out to defensive end at times. Even though this group has a whole lot of younger players, it is also set to be one of the strengths of the defense.

Linebackers (6)

Bruce Irvin
Malcolm Smith
Ben Heeney
Neiron Ball
Cory James
James Cowser

Depending on what formations the Raiders use, and there will likely be a lot of them, the Raiders will have a lot of options on who to lineup. Plus, the Raiders have another name to add in Khalil Mack who still plays linebacker at times. This is a solid group, in large part because of the quality depth.

Cornerbacks (5)

Sean Smith
David Amerson
T.J. Carrie
D.J. Hayden
SaQwan Edwards

The intrigue from this group will come in the form of the depth chart more so than the final roster cuts. Smith and Amerson are obviously locks and Carrie is about as close to a lock as you can get at this point. Hayden’s salary makes him very likely to make the roster as well. But the fifth spot is up for grabs and I’m predicting one of last year’s training camp stars, SaQwan Edwards, to lock down that spot.

Safety (5)

Reggie Nelson
Karl Joseph
Nate Allen
Keith McGill
Brynden Trawick

The safety group might end up being the deepest group on the team with Nate Allen, a former starter, now playing backup to Reggie Nelson and Karl Joseph. Behind them are two young players who will add special teams value and decent depth.

Special Teams (3)

Sebastian Janikowski
Marquette King
Jon Condo

Yup, as of now I think Janikowski keeps the starting kicker job and given the positive things coming out about him, it seems rather likely he sticks around. The one tweak here is that I could see the Raiders considering another long snapper IF they have the room and that player also had a high value on special teams coverage.

There were not many changes this time around but as I noted above, it’s very early and training camp should shake this list up quite a bit. Til then, this is my best guess at a final 53 man roster for the Raiders this season.

Read more at http://cover32.com/2016/08/02/training-camp-53-man-roster-prediction/#K1ipOcxqkGmUvtb8.99

 
Stompin' Tom Connors said:
You, sir, are a hard one to please. I have been a "Show Me" / Doubting Thomas kinda guy that was wary of Reggie's earlier years as well, but at this point, he's shown me.

At the very least, would you agree that things have gone the right way more than they have the wrong way under Reggie?
Click to expand...
My entire 2nd paragraph did just that.

 
BustedKnuckles said:
So, without further ado, here is my start of training camp 53 man roster projection:

Quarterback (3)

Derek Carr
Matt McGloin
Connor Cook

I still think it’s more likely than not that the Raiders will keep three quarterbacks on their roster this season. But this is the exact kind of thing that I was talking about above. This is an opinion that could easily change depending on how things go in training camp and the preseason.

Running Back (5)

Latavius Murray
DeAndre Washington
Taiwan Jones
Jamize Olawale
George Atkinson, III

With Roy Helu, Jr. starting camp on the PUP list, it seems less and less likely that he will be able to lock down a roster spot this season. Despite just signing with the team last offseason, he may already be on his way out of town. Replacing him from my last list is George Atkinson III, who gets added primarily for his special teams value and would likely be cut when Marcel Reece comes back from suspension.

Wide Receiver (5)

Amari Cooper
Michael Crabtree
Seth Roberts
Andre Holmes
Johny Holton

The only change to this group comes at the number five receiver spot where Johnny Holton takes the place of Max McCaffrey. Early in the process, McCaffrey was the talk of the town in large part because of his father. But as training camp begins, we are hearing the name Johnny Holton more and more. There will be a fierce competition among UDFAs for that final wide receiver spot and so far, it’s very much up in the air. But if Holton continues to perform like he has at the start of camp, the spot could be his.

Tight End (4)

Clive Walford
Lee Smith
Mychal Rivera
Gabe Holmes

This is a whole lot of tight ends to carry on your roster, but for the moment, the Raiders have the room to carry the extra man. They will do this in large part because Mychal Rivera will have some trade value and Gabe Holmes may not be quite ready to play a larger role in the offense.

Offensive Line (9)

Donald Penn
Kelechi Osemele
Rodney Hudson
Gabe Jackson
Menelik Watson
Austin Howard
John Feliciano
Matt McCants
Vadal Alexander

This group seems fairly set in stone with the only question being whether or not Mitch Bell, who has been with the team since last season, can crack a roster spot this season. If so, it could mean the end of the road for Matt McCants or Vadal Alexander.

Defensive Line (8)

Khalil Mack
Mario Edwards, Jr.
Dan Williams
Denico Autry
Jihad Ward
Shilique Calhoun
Justin Ellis
Leon Orr

If there is a surprise in this group, it would have to be Leon Orr, a practice squad player who I believe could be another hidden gem like Denico Autry. Orr is a big boy who would add depth up the gut of the defensive line and might even be able to slide out to defensive end at times. Even though this group has a whole lot of younger players, it is also set to be one of the strengths of the defense.

Linebackers (6)

Bruce Irvin
Malcolm Smith
Ben Heeney
Neiron Ball
Cory James
James Cowser

Depending on what formations the Raiders use, and there will likely be a lot of them, the Raiders will have a lot of options on who to lineup. Plus, the Raiders have another name to add in Khalil Mack who still plays linebacker at times. This is a solid group, in large part because of the quality depth.

Cornerbacks (5)

Sean Smith
David Amerson
T.J. Carrie
D.J. Hayden
SaQwan Edwards

The intrigue from this group will come in the form of the depth chart more so than the final roster cuts. Smith and Amerson are obviously locks and Carrie is about as close to a lock as you can get at this point. Hayden’s salary makes him very likely to make the roster as well. But the fifth spot is up for grabs and I’m predicting one of last year’s training camp stars, SaQwan Edwards, to lock down that spot.

Safety (5)

Reggie Nelson
Karl Joseph
Nate Allen
Keith McGill
Brynden Trawick

The safety group might end up being the deepest group on the team with Nate Allen, a former starter, now playing backup to Reggie Nelson and Karl Joseph. Behind them are two young players who will add special teams value and decent depth.

Special Teams (3)

Sebastian Janikowski
Marquette King
Jon Condo

Yup, as of now I think Janikowski keeps the starting kicker job and given the positive things coming out about him, it seems rather likely he sticks around. The one tweak here is that I could see the Raiders considering another long snapper IF they have the room and that player also had a high value on special teams coverage.

There were not many changes this time around but as I noted above, it’s very early and training camp should shake this list up quite a bit. Til then, this is my best guess at a final 53 man roster for the Raiders this season.

Read more at http://cover32.com/2016/08/02/training-camp-53-man-roster-prediction/#K1ipOcxqkGmUvtb8.99
Click to expand...
Nice job BustedKnuckels

A couple of players that I think that have an excellent shot at making the roster that you didn't list are:

1. Jalen Richard RB - He has looked really good so far in training camp.

2. Dewey McDonald S - He was taking first team reps when Karl Joseph had a day off from practice. 

Also of note SaQwan Edwards was released today I believe.

 
No, tons of Raiders fans called the number above and were given nothing but lame excuses as to why there was no Raider gear there such as they only display items that were donated to them, etc...one Raider fan even offered to give them a signed Stabler jersey over the phone and they said they couldn't....pathetic...

 
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