In just under a week, the Raiders will play their first preseason game of the 2019 season. That means we will get our first chance to see many of the players we have been “hyping” all offseason long.
While the starters aren’t likely to play, there are still several names to keep an eye on. Here are our four players that should be monitored in the team’s first exhibition game.
DE Maxx Crosby
Crosby was the “other” defensive end selected by the Raiders in the 2019 draft. However, he has quickly earned the praise of head coach Jon Gruden with his athleticism and motor. Crosby has mainly worked with the second-team as a left defensive end, but he has shown the ability to get to the passer in a variety of ways.
While he needs a lot of technique work, Crosby is a player who can improve dramatically with playing time. It should be fascinating to see where the former Eastern Michigan star is in his development in the preseason.
LB Te’Von Coney
For the most part, the Raiders’ starting linebackers are set with veterans Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall. After that, it gets a little dicy. One player who has a chance not only to make the roster but rise up the depth chart is former Notre Dame star Te’Von Coney.
Coney fell out of the 2019 draft due to a poor 40-time, but he has been able to overcome his lack of speed at every level of his career. According to Pro Football Focus, Coney was one of the best overall linebackers to come out of the draft as he excelled in both coverage and in run defense.
With a strong preseason, it wouldn’t be a total surprise if Coney became the Raiders’ third linebacker behind Burfict and Marshall. Look for the undrafted free agent to get an extended look during the team’s first preseason game.
DT P.J. Hall
One of the most competitive positions on the Oakland Raiders’ roster is at defensive tackle, specifically, at one-technique. The team has several starter-worthy players on the roster, including Jonathan Hankins, Justin Ellis and 2018 second-round P.J. Hall.
During his rookie season, Hall’s play was up and down. He clearly flashed talent, but injuries got in the way from him becoming a full-time player.
In Year 2, Oakland needs Hall to make a leap for their defensive line to improve. He is the most physically talented defensive tackle on the roster, but he needs to become more consistent. The preseason should give us a pretty good clue to see how much Hall improved over the offseason.
WR J.J. Nelson
One underrated signing the Raiders made this offseason was bringing in veteran receiver J.J. Nelson. Oakland made it a priority to get faster on offense and that just so happens to be Nelson’s specialty.
Through the first week of practice, Nelson has been one of the best surprises of camp. He has made several spectacular catches, and his play has caused some, including Vic Tafur of The Athletic, to wonder if Nelson won’t be one of the team’s outside receivers in three-receiver sets when Antonio Brown plays in the slot.
If Nelson’s strong play continues into the preseason, the Raiders could possibly have the fastest wide receiver trio in the league with Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, and Nelson. Look for the veteran receiver to play a ton on Saturday night.
