Oakland Raiders Defensive Backs Breakdown: Chosen vs. Cannon Fodder
Aug 16, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive back Shelton Johnson (42) and defensive end Andre Carter (97) tackle New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles (43) during the first quarter of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Cannon Fodder-
Again, the list is not in any particular order, and these are the on-the-bubble players in my opinion:
Travis (TJ) Carrie (CB #38)- Recent history for the Oakland Raiders regime has shown that they don’t always keep their draft picks. Carrie was picked in the 7th Round of the 2014 NFL Draft, but he is one of those hopeful diamond-in-the-rough players. If he is able to make the most of his opportunity, he could end up being a future #2 or #3 CB. Special Teams is going to be a place that he can shine in his 1st season, or he could end up on the practice squad. These are things that will have to be settled in Pre-Season games. Just because I put him on the Cannon Fodder list doesn’t mean I don’t like his potential, but he will need to put in a lot of work to make the 53-Man Roster.
Chance Casey (CB #37)- Another Special Teams standout in recent years, yet a player who is falling behind due to better players on the roster. Unfortunately for this fan-favorite, Casey will be scraping to keep a roster position. His advantage is that he knows the defensive playbook. However, this being his 3rd year, he will need to elevate himself above the new additions, or he may find himself searching for work elsewhere.
Chimdi Chekwa (CB #35)- Chekwa was definitely the prototypical Al Davis selection in 2011 for his speed. Now on his 4th season with the Raiders, he is in danger of falling behind. As the Raiders progress into the future, the team itself becomes better, and the inconsistencies of players selected start to standout. Chekwa is one of those inconsistent players who I just don’t see on the Raiders 53-Man Roster in 2014. Training Camp and Pre-Season Football will be his job application for another NFL team.
Neiko Thorpe (CB #31)- Thorpe comes to the Oakland Raiders from the Kansas City Chiefs Practice Squad, where he was originally an undrafted free agent. Like many of the players on my Cannon Fodder list, they will need to prove themselves and elevate their play in order to be on the final roster. He’s only played in 9 games with the Chiefs (2012), and he only has 5 tackles to his NFL resume. His only hope is to make the team with Special Teams.
Jansen Watson (CB #43)- Another undrafted rookie player brought in to add depth and keep the veterans fresh before the start of the regular season. Or, can he standout enough to make his first NFL roster? The Pre-Season will only tell.
Shelton Johnson (S #42)- Unfortunately for me, I really like Johnson, but his placement on the team is difficult to see. With Woodson, Young, Branch, Ross, and Dowling, Johnson will be fighting to hold his spot. With depth comes the loss of fan-favorites and players that may have an outstanding future awaiting them in the NFL. However, the reality is that there aren’t enough spots on an NFL Roster to keep all the good ones. Still, he could very well keep it by impressing Special Teams Coordinator Bobby April. I am hopeful for Johnson, but he’s falling behind the talent added.
So this rounds out the Defensive Backs positions on the Oakland Raiders roster. Please provide me with your input on who you think should make the team, but remember that it’s more difficult than you think.