For the most part, the Raiders’ roster is set for the 2020 season. They currently sit at 80 players and will have to trim the roster down to 53 before the first game of the season. However, they will have chances to improve their unit by waivers and/or trades if they decide to do so.
Today, we are looking at four spots on their roster that could use some tweaking before the team kicks off Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers.
1. No. 3 quarterback
The Raiders currently have one of the better quarterback rooms in the NFL with Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota entrenched as the No.1 and No. 2 quarterbacks on the roster. But it’s the third quarterback that could use some upgrading.
Currently, Nathan Peterman is the team’s final quarterback on the roster. But if we have learned anything about Jon Gruden during his time with the Raiders, he doesn’t mind using that last quarterback spot on the roster to cycle through backups.
Peterman doesn’t have a ton of NFL experience, but whenever he has played, it hasn’t gone well. Don’t be surprised if the Raiders look at the waiver wire to potentially improve on that spot on the roster.
2. Swing Tackle
The Raiders are really excited about their two tackles entering the year as Kolton Miller looked far better in his second season and Trent Brown proved to be one of the league’s most dominating right tackles once again. However, the depth behind these two players is awfully thin.
The Raiders are hoping that Brandon Parker or David Sharpe can win this role, but both have struggled mightily whenever forced into action. Veteran Sam Young could be an option as well, but he has been less-than-stellar when he has seen the field.
While it’s tough to find capable offensive linemen in the NFL, expect the Raiders to continue to search for a better swing tackle. Given Brown’s injury history, this might be one of the team’s more significant needs on the roster.
3. Backup MLB
The Raiders spent a ton of resources on improving their linebackers this season. Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski will be the team’s starting two linebackers in their base package and Nicholas Morrow will rotate in, as well.
While many are hoping that Tanner Muse or Javin White can find a spot in the linebacker rotation, the team doesn’t have a “true” backup middle linebacker. The Raiders could use a thumper in the middle of the defense and these types of linebackers typically become available closer to the season.
Expect the Raiders to add a veteran linebacker or two before the season begins.
4. Kick Returner/Punt Returner
Finally, the last spot on the roster that the Raiders could look to upgrade before the season begins is on special teams. As of right now, backup running back Jalen Richard is expected to be the team’s primary kick and punt returner.
Richard hasn’t fielded many returns since his rookie season, but he does have experience doing both kick and punt returns. Over the last few years, Dwayne Harris has occupied this role, but with him not returning for the 2020 season, the Raiders could use a dynamic returner.
Look for the Raiders to scour the waiver wire or potentially flip a late-round pick for a return specialist.
