Oakland Raiders (Extremely) Early 2014 Roster Breakdown

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Fresh off the trade for Matt Schaub, lets take a look at where the Oakland Raiders roster stands going into the final week of March. After two weeks of free agency, now is when the bargains are found and the depth of your roster is rounded out. The Draft can add some instant playmakers and depth, but that is mainly where your roster is built for the future. Here is where the Raiders roster stands, with 2014 Cap number (via www.overthecap.com) and where they still need to fill some holes.

Quarter Back:

Matt Schaub has recently restructured his contract, so his number is expected to be less than the $11M shown. Most teams only carry two QB’s on the active roster. I think with Reggie ending up wasting a 4th round pick on a QB last year, they will not be picking one this year, unless they feel he is extremely better than Matt McGloin. Some reports have surfaced saying the Raiders really like McGloin as a backup, so if true, where does that leave Terrelle Pryor? As some have said he will be traded, or maybe they run with Schaub, Pryor, McGloin and inactivate one every week.

Running Back:

Seeing this depth chart has to make most of the Raider Nation cringe. We all thought we were done wondering how many games McFadden would miss each season. I don’t believe DMC’s agent when he says he declined more money from another team to return to the Raiders. Kory Sheets is the CFL Grey Cup MVP who could be the 2014 Rashad Jennings. Latavius Murray is a wild card and might be a pleasant surprise. Jeremy Stewart is mostly a special teams player. I would expect the Raiders to draft a running back come this May and maybe even add another one prior.

Full Back:

Marcel is the only Raiders Pro Bowler. Just get him the damn ball.

Tight End:

Mychal Rivera flashed some skills last year, so I’m looking for more out of him in 2014. Ausberry has been praised with having raw talent, but can’t seem to stay healthy or get on the field. Kasa is the blocker from Colorado who got a few snaps last year. Leonhardt is an undrafted free agent who spent his rookie year on the practice squad. Overthecap.com didn’t list Mastrud, but he is still listed on the Raiders roster on Raiders.com. This group is young but has shown some flashes and might be the group the Raiders bring into training camp.

Wide Receiver:

The Raiders finally got that Veteran in the Wide Receiver meeting room. I’m interested to see if that make any difference in Moore’s consistency. After the playmaking showed by Holmes and the continued improvement from Streater, hopefully James Jones can help them elevate their games with the little nuances that a veteran like him can teach. Again, the balance of this position is young and has shown some flashes. Unless the Raiders are blown away by a player, I don’t see them adding to this group in the draft or free agency.

Offensive Line: