While the pads have yet to come on for the new-look Las Vegas Raiders, training camp battles are already taking place. Today, we taking a look at four veterans who need a strong camp to stay on the roster as their currently on the bubble.
1. WR Keelan Doss
One of the stars of HBO’s Hard Knocks, wide receiver Keelan Doss was cut by the Raiders and he joined the Jaguars’ team early in the 2019 season. He eventually wound up back in Oakland, catching 11 passes for 133 yards.
Doss did prove that he belonged on an NFL roster last season, but there aren’t many roster spots available with the team drafting Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards. He’s also competing with other veterans in camp, such as Nelson Agholor and Zay Jones.
In order to survive the initial cutdowns, Doss needs a strong camp to make the roster.
2. OT Brandon Parker
After the team released 2018 second-round pick P.J. Hall earlier last week, third-round pick Brandon Parker is officially on notice. Parker is fighting to be the team’s swing tackle, but the Raiders also signed veteran Sam Young to compete for that spot.
Through two seasons, Parker has struggled mightily whenever he’s been forced into action. He will need to show major strides in his development during practice to keep his job. Otherwise, Parker could be on the outside looking for a roster spot come September.
3. QB Nathan Peterman
With the Raiders adding Marcus Mariota this offseason, the odds of Nathan Peterman winning the No. 2 quarterback job went out the window. And while the Raiders don’t have a fourth quarterback on the roster for Peterman to compete with, he needs to show the coaching staff that they need to keep him an extra quarterback on the roster.
Peterman will also be competing against several quarterbacks who will be released or moved over the next month. It’s his job to beat out any potential quarterback who may become available. While the lack of a preseason could hurt the former Pitt passer, he will need to convince Jon Gruden and Greg Olson in the classroom that he deserves a roster spot.
4. WR Zay Jones
Another receiver that could be in jeopardy of losing his job is veteran Zay Jones. Despite the Raiders giving away a 2021 late-round pick for Jones, it’s clear that he isn’t inside the top-four in the depth chart and his lack of ability to contribute on special teams could hurt him this season.
Jones caught 20 passes for 147 yards last season with the Raiders, averaging a putrid 7.4 yards per receptions. Jones will be competing with the likes of Nelson Agholor, Keelan Doss and Marcel Ateman for a spot on the roster.
