Every year, there are a handful of players that lose their starting job or roster spot due to an incoming draft class. And with the Oakland Raiders having three first-round picks, this year is certainly no different.
Today, we are looking at the three biggest “losers” for the Raiders after the 2019 NFL draft. Let us begin.
Safety Karl Joseph
Arguably the biggest loser on the Raiders’ roster over the draft weekend was strong safety Karl Joseph. Joseph is entering the fourth year of his career and the Raiders have yet to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract. Instead, it looks like they may be trying to replace him rather than re-signing the former West Virginia safety.
With the No. 27 pick, the Raiders selected hard-hitting safety, Johnathan Abram. Like Joseph, Abram is undersized but does his best work near the line of scrimmage. With the team signing veteran Lamarcus Joyner to a big deal this offseason, he and Abram look to be the team’s starting safeties going forward.
As of now, it appears Joseph has lost his starting spot and it wouldn’t be a complete surprise to see the team entertain trade offers over the summer. It appears Joseph’s days in Oakland may be numbered.
Cornerback Daryl Worley
Much like Joseph, the Raiders have appeared to draft Daryl Worley’s eventual replacement. In the second round, Oakland selected Clemson cornerback Trayvon Mullen, who never allowed a touchdown during his college career. Mullen is a perfect fit in Paul Guenther’s defense and makes a lot of sense opposite Gareon Conley.
However, Worley’s roster spot is still likely safe. He’s still one of the best cornerbacks on the roster and provides excellent insurance for Conley and Mullen. Expect him to make the 53-man roster, but not to open the season as the Day 1 starter.
Running back Isaiah Crowell
Crowell has yet to take a snap for the Oakland Raiders and his starting spot (and maybe even his place on the roster) is in jeopardy. Crowell signed with the team just a few weeks ago as the Raiders started to receive “hints” that Marshawn Lynch wouldn’t be returning in 2019.
However, the Raiders selected running back Josh Jacobs with the No. 24 pick and it is believed that he will immediately be thrust into the starting role. Jalen Richard will continue to do his work on the passing downs, but Jacobs looks to be entrenched as the starter. That could leave Crowell on the outside looking in, competing with Chris Warren for a roster spot.
Don’t be shocked if Crowell isn’t on the final 53-man roster.
