Every year 90+ competitors, football players, athletes, and men converge on an NFL training camp with hopes of making their dreams come true. Make no mistake nor harbor false hope, the NFL is a results-oriented business and if you can’t produce well just ask former Raiders coach Jack Del Rio.
🤨interesting….. https://t.co/0Y3e9qd9MP
— Jack Del Rio (@coachdelrio) August 18, 2019
The Oakland Raiders have turned over their roster in the past two years and gotten considerably better from top to bottom. Who will stay? Who will go? Only Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden truly know for sure. Positional coaches may be in their ears, but the production or lack thereof speaks volumes for itself.
Backup Quarterback
Since quarterback Derek Carr was drafted he has been the man under center for the Silver and Black. Has it all been perfumed scented roses? No, but he is still the man for the job. The backup situation has been a virtual revolving door of deer in the headlights. Fast forward to today. Mike Glennon and Nathan Peterman, yes you read right, Nathan Peterman, are locked in the struggle for the backup QB spot.
Both have had starting experience, both have performed admirably this preseason. Peterman hasn’t thrown a single interception and has proven to be able to make things happen with his feet. Glennon’s last effort against the Arizona Cardinals has launched him right back into contention after throwing two picks the game before. With two games remaining in the preseason it looks to come down to the wire as to who will win the job.
For my money, I bet on the Raiders keeping three quarterbacks.
Third String Running Back
Let me preface this by saying while this is a battle for the third running back slot, I think the backup job may be up for grabs too. Since Jalen Richard was rewarded with a new contract, he is in line to be the backup to rookie first-round draft pick Josh Jacobs.
DeAndre Washington has been a beast this preseason. He looks shiftier, faster, stronger and a whole lot tougher. Washington has been running over people, powering his way into the end zone, and running away from people all preseason long. What has been most impressive has been his running in between the tackles.
In contrast, Doug Martin just hasn’t done anything to wow us yet. Is he being held back? Does he still have it? At this particular juncture, Martin isn’t outperforming Washington and he may be in danger of getting beaten out.
Last of the receivers
At this point let us be honest. AB WR #1, Tyrell Williams WR #2, and Hunter Renfrow as the slot guy/ WR #3. That’s how they started camp and that’s how you should expect it to end. The real must-see tv has been in watching the remaining wide receivers all jockeying for the final 1-2 spots.
The contenders: Rico Gafford, J.J. Nelson, Ryan Grant, Keelan Doss, Keion Hatcher, and Marcell Ateman.
For the first time in as long as the young can remember, the Raiders have home-run speed in nearly every set of legs. Every one of these young receivers has been a sight for sore eyes. Not many balls are going to be dropped this season they all have very capable hands.
Gafford has the longest reception and touchdown, the 53-yarder he caught from Glennon against the Cardinals. Doss was probably the most consistent and his seven catches led the group. Nelson has impressed coaches in practice and made a lasting impression. Sadly, he has injured his ankle and most likely resting it for the regular season. Hatcher is looking like the odd man out.
Fullbacks
Life is good when your coach has your back. Keith Smith has been cleared to practice and appears he will get his position back. One would hope all factors are taken into account because Alec Ingold has been all over the field and able to lay a hat on someone anyplace at any time.
Ingold has made his presence felt in every game he’s played in. He has laid lumber as a run blocker and on special teams. He’s displayed soft hands with an ability to get open. With that being said, it looks like he may not make the roster.