Today marks the final game of the Las Vegas Raiders‘ 2024 preseason. As things stand, the Silver and Black have two losses to their name with zero wins. With the San Francisco 49ers in town, the Raiders are hoping to finish things off with a win at home against their now-former Bay rivals.
At this point, Las Vegas’ coaching staff has had a chance to see most of their players in action. The team knows what they’re getting from each player, and for the most part, roles within the squad are already figured out – including QB1, which was announced earlier in the week.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t still roster spots up for grabs, though.
Three undrafted free agents in particular will be looking to secure their spot on the final 53-man roster, and with notable performances tonight, they’ll more than likely do just that–if they haven’t already.
Those players are Amari Gainer, Woo Governor, and Ramel Keyton.
3 undrafted free agents who can earn a spot on the Las Vegas Raiders’ 53-man roster
Amari Gainer
Gainer may have very well already secured his spot on the 53-man roster – and rightfully so – but with such depth at linebacker, the Raiders may want to see more before adding another player at the position.
Through two preseason games, Gainer has been nothing short of fantastic.
During Week 1’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Gainer posted a 90.6 grade via Pro Football Focus. This was the fourth-highest grade league-wide among linebackers, and the second-highest grade at any position on the team.
The 24-year-old also broke up one pass as he allowed only 20% of throws his way to be completed.
Gainer picked back up right where he left off in Week 2. His 75.5 grade was the third-highest on the team while his 70.7 grade in coverage was second to only Jack Jones. Once again, Gainer was able to break up a pass against the Cowboys.
Altogether, the Raiders’ UDFA linebacker has a grade of 89.9; the highest on the team and third-highest among all linebackers league-wide to play at least two preseason contests. Only 33% of throws in Gainer’s direction have been completed with quarterbacks posting a rating of 43.1 when throwing his way.
The unfortunate part of Gainer’s path to a roster spot is the sheer depth at his position. Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo and Luke Masterson take up three linebacker spots with 2023 draftee Amari Burney and 2024 draftee Tommy Eichenberg competing for rotational roles.
Will Gainer show, or has Gainer shown, enough to put himself over Burney or Eichenberg?
Woo Governor
31 of Governor’s 33 preseason snaps have come from the slot where he’s earned a 67.2 coverage grade; the third-highest among Raiders’ cornerbacks to play in both contests.
Through two games, Governor has allowed 75% of passes his way to be completed with a quarterback rating of 92.7 when targeted. He’s recorded six tackles (third-most on team) and shown the physicality teams want from their nickel.
Governor’s path to a roster spot is easier than Gainer’s based on competition at his position. Nate Hobbs will almost certainly take the bulk of snaps, but the Raiders still need a second option behind Hobbs.
Isaiah Pola-Mao has taken many reps in the slot both during practices and preseason contests. Pola-Mao has only been tested once inside, allowing a five-yard completion on the lone pass his way.
If Las Vegas decides to roll with Pola-Mao as their reserve nickel, Governor will be left without a place on the roster. A big game from him tonight can solidify his case for the job, however.
Ramel Keyton
Keyton gained a ton of favor with the Raiders’ coaching staff during training camp. Prior to Week 1’s matchup against the Vikings, head coach Antonio Pierce told the media he demanded Keyton run with the 2’s in practice.
To this point, the UDFA receiver hasn’t done much through preseason. Of the two targets his way, Keyton has one reception for 8 yards. He’ll need a big night against San Francisco to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.
Earning his spot is far from a prayer, though. In fact, between Gainer, Governor and Keyton, Ramel has the clearest path to a roster spot.
Keyton’s path to a roster spot with the Las Vegas Raiders
Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker have roster spots locked up. After those three, it’s whoever wants it most.
D.J. Turner is the next-most likely receiver to earn a roster spot due to his value on special teams. Turner is a special teams expert, but he reminded fans of his receiving abilities as he caught the Raiders’ first touchdown of their preseason campaign.
Kristian Wilkerson earned a roster spot last year, and seems to be in great position to do that again. Through preseason, Wilkerson has hauled in four passes for 34 yards. He hasn’t scored yet, but the second-year Raider has managed to pick up a pair of first downs.
Jalen Guyton is also competing for a spot on the roster. Guyton spent five seasons in Los Angeles with Tom Telesco, the current general manager of the Raiders, before joining Telesco in Las Vegas. Telesco didn’t bring Guyton with him to Sin City for no reason, either.
Through two preseason games, Guyton has hauled in three passes on three targets for 34 yards. Like Wilkerson, the speedster has moved the chains twice.
Being Turner will play a key role in special teams, the Raiders will likely carry six receivers. This means, in all likelihood, Keyton only has to beat out one guy for a spot on the roster.
A big performance tonight from Keyton may very well result in a roster spot for the Tennessee alum.
*Top Photo: Mike Olivella