The Oakland Raiders have just three games remaining in the 2019 season. And while they still have an outside shot at making the playoffs, the team will need to use the final three games of the season to evaluate talent before they head into the 2020 offseason.
With that in mind, here are three players who should get a more extended look in the final three games of the season:
1. DT Maurice Hurst
After a strong rookie season, Maurice Hurst has continued to produce at defensive tackle for the Raiders. In Week 14, he recorded his first career interception and nearly returned it for a score against Tennesee.
But despite recording solid statistics once again, Hurst just hasn’t been a regular part of the Raiders’ defensive line rotation. He is still playing less than 50 percent of the defensive snaps and has been surpassed in playing time by P.J. Hall and Johnathan Hankins. And considering how effective he has been at rushing the passer, it’s puzzling why he hasn’t been on the field more.
Considering Hankins is a proven veteran, it would be wise for Oakland to allow both Hurst and Hall to play extended snaps over the next three weeks before entering the offseason. If nothing else, it will help give the team more tape to study on these two players as they begin to rank their offseason needs.
2. DE Dion Jordan
Dion Jordan might be one of the most fascinating bottom-of-the-roster guys in Oakland. He was recently signed by the Raiders midseason and has appeared in the last four games. Jordan has played just 86 snaps on defense, but he has recorded a sack and a pass deflection.
While Jordan likely won’t be a player the team relies on going forward, it would be interesting to see him get an extended look over the final three weeks as the team will have a decision to make this offseason in regards to his free-agent status. With a strong last month of the year, Jordan could prove to be a valuable backup defensive end for the Raiders.
3. QB DeShone Kizer
While quarterback Derek Carr is locked in as the team’s starting quarterback in 2020, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to sit him for a game or two, if the team was eliminated from playoff contention. That would allow the Raiders to ensure that he is healthy entering the offseason and into next season.
That would also allow Jon Gruden to evaluate his backup quarterbacks, more specifically, DeShone Kizer. Recently, the team elevated Kizer to No. 2 on the depth chart ahead of veteran Mike Glennon.
For the most part, we know what Kizer is as a passer. But could playing Jon Gruden’s west-coast scheme help improve him as a quarterback? Don’t be surprised if the Raiders give Kizer a look-see in the final game or two of the regular season.
