Across the NFL, teams are loaded with talented that fell through the cracks of the draft. Undrafted free agents make up a healthy portion of rosters, and the Raiders are no different.
Today, we are taking a look at five players the Raiders signed as undrafted free agents in 2019 who could make the team this season.
LB Tre’von Coney, Notre Dame
Maybe the best candidate to make the roster and have an impact right away is former Notre Dame linebacker Tre’von Coney. After a stellar collegiate career, Coney fell out of the draft for unknown reasons. However, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t one of the better prospects in the 2019 draft.
According to Pro Football Focus, Coney was the top-ranked free agent signing as he scored phenomenal grades in both the run and pass game in 2018. Here is what Pro Football Focus had to say about Coney and his fit with the Raiders:
In 2018, Coney’s 90.5 coverage grade and 91.7 run-defense grade both ranked inside the top 10 among all linebackers in college football. He also ranked second in the linebacker class in overall grade at 91.8. Oakland did add Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall this offseason, but Coney should do more than compete for a roster spot – he could easily steal playing time away from the team’s current off-ball linebacker rotation early in his NFL career.
With the Raiders lacking young talent at the position, Coney could easily make the roster and wind-up being a long-term starter at the position. Look for him to make the roster in 2019 and potentially challenge veterans like Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall for playing time.
WR Keelan Doss, UC Davis
The top three receivers for the Raiders are basically set. Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams will start on the outside, and Hunter Renfrow will likely be the team’s slot receiver. But after that, the wide receiver depth chart is up for grabs.
One player that could crack the 53-man roster is UC Davis’ Keelan Doss. The Raiders saw Doss at the Senior Bowl, and he impressed as he has great size (6’2, 211 pounds) and can separate with ease.
Over the last two seasons in college, Doss tallied 233 receptions for 2,833 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was twice named a consensus All-American and was the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year in 2017.
Doss isn’t overly quick or explosive, but he knows how to get open. He was arguably one of the best route-runners in the 2019 draft class and has good enough ball-skills to win in the red zone. Don’t be surprised if Doss winds up making the roster over some of the other receivers the team brought in this offseason.
FB Alec Ingold, Wisconsin
The Raiders don’t have a dominant fullback on their roster. The team signed Keith Smith last offseason, but he was unspectacular in his first year with the Silver and Black. However, Oakland may have found its next fullback of the future in Alec Ingold.
Ingold played in 51 games for the Wisconsin Badgers, blocking for one of the best run games in all of college football. According to Pro Football Focus, Ingold was the highest-graded fullback in the country with a run blocking grade of 78.9.
If nothing else, expect Ingold to challenge Smith for his roster spot. But look for Ingold to ultimately win that job.
OT Tyler Roemer, San Diego State
One of the more fascinating free agent signings for the Oakland Raiders is tackle Tyler Roemer from San Diego State. Roemer was one of the best tackles in the Mountain West last season, but he missed the final two games of the season due to a violation of team rules.
Due to some “off-the-field” issues, Roemer fell out of the draft and was promptly signed by the Raiders. He has outstanding size and athleticism and looks like his on the track to becoming a starting caliber tackle in the NFL with some development.
For Roemer to make the roster, he is going to need to beat out Brandon Parker and David Sharpe. And considering the seasons both of those players had last year, that shouldn’t be too difficult. Look for Roemer to play a ton on the preseason and possibly contend for the swing tackle job.
OG Lester Cotton Sr., Alabama
If there is a weakness on the Raiders’ roster, it’s at left guard. The team doesn’t have a long-term starter at the position, and it’s a spot that could use a talent upgrade. Because of the weakness at the position, don’t be surprised if Alabama guard Lester Cotton Sr. gets a chance to win the job during his rookie season.
Cotton started the past two years for Alabama at right and left guard, but fell out of the draft due to a marijuana-related address this winter. On the field, Cotton is a massive guard who can move people off of the ball. He needs to improve his flexibility and quickness, but Cotton looks to be a player who can win in the NFL. Look for him to make the roster in 2019 as a backup guard.
