The Las Vegas Raiders look to continue their undefeated streak here in the preseason. Up next, the Miami Dolphins. Josh McDaniels’ squad still has some questions that need answers. In particular, players such as Kenyan Drake need to have notable performances. Yes, it’s preseason, but it’s also a red flag if certain players aren’t performing in these tune-up games. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
Is Kenyan Drake the Raiders’ RB2 or not?
The running back room is getting a little stuffy, and Drake is in the middle of it. The battle is heavy with skilled players, and if anybody were to ask where the most depth is on this season’s team, you’d be wrong to say anywhere but the running back room. Drake had his initial season with the Raiders cut short, and if he doesn’t show something big against the Dolphins, he may not be in Vegas in Week 1. He is a good player and has flashed, but with the young, hard-running backfield he’s in, his wiggle room is small. He needs to produce in South Beach or that could be all she wrote.
Can DJ Turner make the roster?
The young wide receiver made a statement last week against the Minnesota Vikings. Following that game, the Raiders took note and released Demarcus Robinson. Whether Turner’s performance directly resulted in that is another question. Nevertheless, another big game from Turner could lock in his spot on the roster. If he stays, he may also become the team’s punt returner, as he flashed his playmaking abilities against the Vikings.
Where’s Clelin Ferrell?
Hi, I’m paging Clelin Ferrell. Your job could be on the line today. The defensive end position seems loaded with talent, and Ferrell may be the odd man out. He has not been talked about much so far, much less made plays during training camp. In a nutshell, it hasn’t been a good offseason for Ferrell, not to mention the constant hearsay and rumors about him getting traded, or worse, simply cut. Something has to give. The former first-round pick must make a statement if he is to play and keep a job coming into the 2022 season. If he isn’t on the team before Week 1, he’s going to need to get the Raiders tattoo removed.
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*Top Photo: Chris Unger/Getty Images