For the most part, the Oakland Raiders roster is set. They may make a few moves over the summer, but this is the team they will take with them to training camp in July.
While it’s way too early to know exactly who is going to make the final roster for the Raiders, we are going to take a shot at predicting which 53 players will be on the team’s opening roster when they take on the Broncos in Week
Quarterback
(3) – Derek Carr, Mike Glennon, Nathan Peterman
The Raiders could opt to keep only two quarterbacks here to save a roster spot, but given how much Jon Gruden loves developing them, I don’t see that happening.
The biggest roster battle will come between Nathan Peterman and Landry Jones for the No. 3 job. Look for the team to take a chance on Peterman as both Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock loved him coming out of Pittsburgh.
Running Back
(3) – Josh Jacobs, Jalen Richard, Chris Warren
With the recent news of Isaiah Crowell tearing his Achilles, it wouldn’t be a complete shock to see the team go a little longer at the running back position due to its youth. Rookie Josh Jacobs is now expected to carry the load as the starter as Jalen Richard continues to work in the passing game.
The real batter on the roster will come down to Chris Warren vs. Deandre Washington for the No. 3 running back job. Given how much the Raiders used Warren in the preseason last year, I’m expecting him to get a chance to play in 2019 as a short-yardage back.
Wide Receiver
(6) – Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, J.J. Nelson, Ryan Grant, Hunter Renfrow, Dwayne Harris
The position that got the biggest overhaul this offseason was the wide receiver position. The only player from the 2018 roster who may make the 2019 team is Dwayne Harris, and he is primarily a special team’s player.
At the bottom of the roster, look for players like Marcell Ateman, Keelan Doss and Saeed Blacknall to push the likes of Ryan Grant and J.J. Nelson for a roster spot. The receiver position is suddenly deep for the Oakland Raiders.
Tight End
(4) – Lee Smith, Darren Waller, Luke Willson, Foster Moreau
The Raiders lost Jared Cook in free agency this offseason, and the roster lacks a true No. 1 tight end. However, the position has a lot of depth as players like Derek Carrier, and Paul Butler may not even make the roster.
Look for the Raiders to keep three to four tight ends and for Foster Moreau to rise up the depth chart as the season goes on.
Offensive Line
(9) – Kolton Miller, Gabe Jackson, Rodney Hudson, Denzelle Good, Trent Brown, Brandon Parker, Denver Kirkland, Chaz Green, David Sharpe
Outside of signing Trent Brown, the Raiders didn’t do much to address their offensive line this offseason. The team lost starters Kelechi Osemele and Donald Penn, but they feel good about Kolton Miller and Denzelle Good.
Don’t be surprised if the Raiders continue to hunt for starting-level guards over the summer.
Defensive Line
(10) – Clelin Ferrell, Arden Key, Benson Mayowa, Maxx Crosby, Josh Mauro, Maurice Hurst, P.J. Hall, Justin Ellis, Jonathan Hankins, Eddie Vanderdoes
The Oakland Raiders chipped away at their pass-rush need this offseason, drafting Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby. Finding a pass-rush will continue to be a goal for new general manager Mike Mayock, and he could look to add to the unit over the summer.
As of now, expect the Raiders to go deep on the defensive line, keeping as many as 10 players on the final 53-man roster.
Linebacker
(6) – Vontaze Burfict, Brandon Marshall, Tahir Whitehead, Marquel Lee, Kyler Wilber, Te’Von Coney
Deciding which linebackers the Raiders may keep is quite a challenge. Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall were signed this offseason, and both are expected to play significant snaps in Paul Guenther’s defense.
However, Tahir Whitehead, Marquel Lee and even undrafted rookie free agent Te’Von Coney could push for snaps in 2019.
Cornerback
(5) – Gareon Conley, Travon Mullen, Nick Nelson, Daryl Worley, Isaiah Johnson
Another position that the Raiders have done a lot of work to this offseason is at cornerback. The team drafted Travon Mullen and Isaiah Johnson, as well as signing Nevin Lawson from the Lions.
However, expect the team to only carry four or five cornerbacks on the roster, leaving some good talent on waivers. Cornerback is suddenly not a big area of need for Oakland.
Safety
(4) – Lamarcus Joyner, Karl Joseph, Johnathan Abram, Erik Harris
The safety spot has been completely rehauled in just one offseason for the Raiders. Gone is Reggie Nelson and Marcus Gilchrist. In is Lamarcus Joyner and Johnathan Abram.
Expect Joyner to play a lot of snaps as a slot corner and for the team to have packages with Joseph, Abram, and Joyner all on the field at the same time.
Safety is suddenly a strength of the Raiders’ defense.
Special Teams
(3) – Daniel Carlson, Drew Kaser, Andrew DePaola
The Oakland Raiders special team’s unit was up-and-down for most of the season. However, they have found their kicker in Daniel Carlson, a high-draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings.
However, the same can’t be said about their punter situation. Expect rookie Drew Kaser and Johnny Townsend to battle for that spot in training camp.
