As we inch closer and closer to the start of the 2021 NFL season, the excitement for football is coming to a head. One of the most exciting times across the league, and in particular, for the Silver and Black, is the commencement of Raiders training camp. That’s because it signifies the first real action of the new season.
Unfortunately, with training camp looming, a couple of players may see their Raiders’ careers cut short as the team sheds its roster down to 53 players. Here are three potential defensive cuts from training camp.
3 Potential Defensive Cuts During Raiders Training Camp
Clelin Ferrell, DE/OLB
For some reason, Ferrell has become a household name among Raider fans, but for the wrong reasons. The former No. 4 overall pick has struggled mightily during his short NFL career, and he may find his name on the chopping block this summer. Ferrell has had some good moments in avenues like run defense, but his lack of a pass rush and his overall play have left a bit to be desired.
Breakdown of the 2.5 sacks by @Raiders rookie DE Clelin Ferrell in the huge divisional win over the @Chargers#RaiderNation
More breakdowns with All-22 coaches film posted here: https://t.co/MXVBaTCMks pic.twitter.com/E9ytXVWRCG
— RaiderRamble.comâ„¢ (@TheRaiderRamble) November 9, 2019
Obviously, Ferrell is a big name, simply because of his high draft selection. There’s a good chance he makes the roster, simply because there are still expectations regarding him, and the new coaching staff could be keen on giving him one more shot. Still, with the defensive line depth chart becoming more and more crowded, Ferrell might be partaking in his last training camp in Las Vegas.
Dallin Leavitt, DB
Leavitt is another familiar name on the Raiders’ defense. Unfortunately for him as well, he hasn’t been in the spotlight for good reason. Leavitt did have some impressive moments late in the 2021 campaign. Still, with a new coaching staff, Leavitt finds himself at the end of the depth chart, looking to make an impact to stay on the roster.
Dallin will be entering his fifth season in silver and black. The first four have been underwhelming, when he has been able to get on the field. His run defense and tackling have been pretty solid.
When you find out the #Raiders brought back Dallin Leavitt smh…. pic.twitter.com/3VgJ24XCQ3
— Phil Jones (@PhilJonesNFL) September 2, 2021
Unfortunately, his pass coverage has been an issue for a majority of the previous four seasons. Unfortunately for Leavitt, he hasn’t shown enough improvement over that time. If he’s unable to impress the new regime in Las Vegas, he could be one of the defensive cuts.
Roderic Teamer, DB
Staying in the secondary, one more candidate to be cut could be Roderic Teamer. Teamer is still young, at just 25 years old. He’s played two complete seasons while missing time in 2020 after violating the NFL’s substance abuse rules.
Teamer is a solid player, but he has yet to make a real impact in the league. He has had some solid moments, but has struggled on the field as well. His recent suspension doesn’t help his case much either.
#RaiderNation letting the boys know we got them today!! Roderic Teamer has been a great locker room guy this season, really embracing the shield! pic.twitter.com/A6R0QzCXx0
— Raider Nation Boston (@RaiderNationBOS) January 15, 2022
The old coaching staff liked him enough to keep him in Vegas through 2021, but like the rest of the players on this list, what really matters is what the new coaching staff thinks of him. Hopefully for Roderic, he won’t find his name among the defensive cuts as Raiders training camp gets underway.
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*Top Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images