The Oakland Raiders came into camp with battles all over the 90-man roster. After two exhibition games, some of the roster battles have clear cut winners, while others have become even more murky. I’ll break down my thoughts and highlight what has changed.
Raiders News: Updated 53 Man Roster Projection
Quarterback
Starter, Derek Carr – The obvious choice here, even with the rumors this off-season, Carr was the obvious 2019 starter all along.
Backup, Mike Glennon (Change) – I believe, Mike Glennon has surpassed Nathan Peterman as the clear favorite to backup Carr. Glennon has been the first one in both pre-season games. While he struggled in the first game, he played well enough against Arizona to keep his position as the 2nd string QB.
Running Back
Starter, Josh Jacobs – Jacobs is clearly the most talented back on the roster. He will see a committee early but I see him running away with the snap share fairly early.
Backup, DeAndre Washington (Change)– Martin looks sluggish, and Washington has excelled. While I believe Gruden had every intention of keeping Martin in 2019, things have changed. Washington would be extremely hard to cut.
3rd Down Back, Jalen Richard – Expect to see a lot of two back formations with Richard involved. He can line up anywhere on the field and be a weapon for Gruden.
Fullback
Starter, Alec Ingold – Ingold has solidified himself as the FB for this football team. He may not be a polished blocker yet, but hes contributing on special teams which makes him a lock.
Wide Receiver
Starter, Antonio Brown – Not much analysis needed here. Brown and his feet create the best player on this roster.
Starter, Tyrell Williams – A huge free agent splash, Williams looks the part through camp so far. Brown on the other side look for a huge year from Williams.
Slot, Hunter Renfrow – Although Renfrow hasn’t flashed much, we know what he brings. He will be the starter in the slot.
Backup, J.J. Nelson – The primary WR backup, Nelson will win a spot with his speed, that he’s shown in camp so far.
Backup, Keelan Doss (Change) – Originally, I had Ateman here. Doss is a more athletic version of Ateman and a decent red zone target. Ryan Grant has played well, but I belive he is traded and the Raiders go with youth in Renfrow and Doss to round out the WR core.
Backup/Special Teams, Dwayne Harris – Harris is a virtual lock, although he doesn’t offer much on offense, he’s the most dynamic returner on the 90-man roster.
Tight End
Starter, Darren Waller – The huge, fast, wide receiver turned tight end, is in for the starting role. Gruden loves his athleticism, and it seems like this is as safe a roster lock as they come.
Backup, Foster Moreau – Moreau has proven enough to take the main blocking spot from Luke Wilson, and he offers more pass catching ability, making him a lock.
Backup, Derek Carrier – Carrier is a decent pass catcher, who could make the team as Waller’s primary backup in passing situations.
Offensive Tackle
Left Tackle, Kolton Miller – Kolton Miller had a really rough rookie year. He is locked in as the team’s starting LT, and looks to bounce back. So far, he’s seemed to make strides in training camp.
Right Tackle, Trent Brown – The highest paid tackle in the NFL looks to be the anchor of the OL. He’s a gigantic human, with All-Pro potential, and seems to be taking on a leadership role for the Raiders.
Backup, Brandon Parker – Probably the worst 2018 draft pick. Parker doesn’t look like he’s a capable pro tackle. Since he was a 3rd round pick, he will be the primary backup at tackle, but he needs to improve in a big way.
Backup, David Sharpe – Kept as the 4th tackle, hopefully the Raiders don’t get to that point.
Interior Offensive Line
Center, Rodney Hudson – Another no-brained, the only question with Hudson is when will Oakland extend his contract.
Left Guard, Richie Incognito (2 game suspension) – Incognito is back in the NFL and a roster lock, he is the starter but not until Week 3 due to suspension. He looks in shape, and healthy which is great for the Raiders.
Right Guard, Gabe Jackson – Gabe is entering Year 6, and is locked in as your right guard once again when and if, he returns.
Backup, Denzell Good – Good could start if he’s healthy Week 1. When he is healthy he is the primary backup at both guard positions.
Backup, Jonathan Cooper – Depth piece on the line, the former first round pick is looking to solidify his roster spot the next few weeks.
Backup, Jordan Devey – Coming over from Kansas City, Devey is a backup at all three interior line positions. He replaces Feliciano in that role.
Backup, Andre James (replaces Luke Wilson) — James, is raw and not a lock by any means, but I feel with the injuries/suspensions at Guard the Raiders go with an extra guard to start the season. Fans will want Cotton, purely because he played at Bama, however James has played more, and played better this preseason.
DEFENSE
Defensive End
Starter, Clelin Ferrell – The rookie out of Clemson is a starter. Oakland needs him to skip the rookie hiccups and produce right away if they want any shot at the playoffs.
Starter, Josh Mauro – Not a splashy guy, but he’s solid against the run, and an absolute Gruden grinder.
Backup, Arden Key – This is the role they drafted Key for, and he will need to produce 7-9 sacks this year if he wants to be a big part of the future.
Backup, Maxx Crosby – Maxx will quickly rise up the depth chart, but the Raiders are going to ease him in a bit. He can quickly take over the DE2 position if he produces when given the snaps.
Defensive Tackle
Starter, Jonathan Hankins – Pegged as the most improved player on the team, he’s earned a spot in the initial starting lineup.
Starter, Maurice Hurst – Although the current depth chart has him behind Ellis, I don’t think they keep their best defensive lineman off the field much. Hurst had a great rookie season with 5.0 sacks and he looks to double that this season.
Backup, P.J Hall – Hall is another pick that needs to develop. He’s the backup right now, and has a lot of work to do.
Backup, Justin “Jelly” Ellis – Coming off injury, Ellis won’t be cut, but I expect him to lose snaps to the younger guys.
Ethan Westbrooks ( Takes Mayowas spot) — It’s clear Gruden likes this guy. Gruden doesn’t usually praise guys unless they will be rostered. Westbrooks has flashed as a rotational DT, and has pass rush ability. I think fans will want Rush, but Westbrooks fills a bigger need.
Linebacker-Â
The linebacker position is about as clear-cut as you can get. These six seem to be locked in, with little movement on the depth chart.
MLB Starter, Vontaze Burfict – Brought in to run Guenther’s defense, Burfict is pretty much guaranteed a spot. He will be your starting MLB.
WLB Starter, Brandon Marshall – I could see Marshall losing out to a younger linebacker, but right now he is the starting WLB.
SLB Starter, Tahir Whitehead – Another guy I thought was underrated last year, Whitehead started slow, but really took over as a leader on defense last year.
Backup, Marquel Lee – One of the few Reggie McKenzie guys left, I expect Lee to make the team and contribute a ton this season.
Backup, Jason Cabinda – Cabinda is the guy that could bump a veteran out of a starting role. He had a breakout rookie year and is poised to build off of that.
Backup, Nicholas Morrow – Arguably, the best cover linebacker on the roster, Morrow is the Raiders’ best shot to cover Kelce, Henry, and Fant this season.
Cornerback
Starter, Gareon Conley – Clearly the best corner on the team, Conley finally showed his first round pedigree last year. The Raiders hope for big things from him to help shore up this defense.
Starter, Daryl Worley – Worley is a guy I am very iffy on. He is still very young, but he is very inconsistent with his footwork and hips, hopefully he can lock down opposing teams #2 guys this year.
Slot Starter, Lamarcus Joyner – The Ex-Ram, is versatile and will play all over the field for Gruden. He might be the Raiders best defensive player in 2019.
Backup, Trayvon Mullen – Mullen has performed better than expected. He could push Worley for snaps at the CB2 spot, and possibly take over as the starter very soon.
Backup, Keisan Nixon ( Nick Nelson replacement) — A bit of a reach here, but Nixon has outplayed Nick Nelson significantly. He has looked solid throughout the preseason and is getting significant snaps to prove himself.
Backup, Isaiah Johnson – Johnson hasn’t looked great, could be a PS candidate, but he might not clear waivers. Therefore, I think hes rostered with little upside this season.
Safety
Starter (SS), Karl Joseph – Many thought Joseph would be gone but he is entering year four as a Raider, and looks to salvage his career.
Starter (FS), Jonathan Abram – The Hard Knocks Star, is also a really good football player. Abram is a natural leader on a defense that lacked one all of 2018. Abram has performed very well this pre-season and locked himself in as a starter.
Backup, Erik Harris – Gruden loves this guy, and he is a hard working leader. He will be the primary backup at both safety positions.
Backup, Curtis Riley – Riley is a solid backup, but this roster spot is very fluid.
Special Teams
Kicker – Daniel Carlson
Punter-A.J Cole- Beats out Johnny Townsend and not sure it could get worse than Townsend.
Long Snapper-Andrew DePaola
Return Specialist-Dwayne Harris
Note- Incognito doesnt count toward the 53 man roster.