The hard part is now officially over for the Las Vegas Raiders. Roster cutdowns are in the rearview mirror, and although the Silver and Black braintrust is hardly done making moves, they've now honed the scope and know basically who they'll have in the building at the start of the 2026 NFL season.
A major part of that process was the Raiders building a strong practice squad, and they did just that. Fans were a bit nervous about a few players not clearing waivers after putting a lot of good stuff on tape this preseason, but Las Vegas got its pick of the litter, as none of its players were claimed.
It can be easy to overlook just how important it is to have a good supporting cast, but these players are responsible for preparing the active roster for Sundays. That's a critical role. Not to mention, they are often the next men up when an injury surfaces or the team needs reinforcements on game day.
So, to give these players their proper due, let's highlight one reason to be excited about each member of the Raiders' 2026 practice squad.
1 reason to be excited about every Las Vegas Raiders practice squad member
Kansei Matsuzawa, K
Reason: That accuracy is still in there somewhere.
Matsuzawa was the most accurate kicker in college football last year, but the moment got too big for him during the preseason. Rookie nerves are understandable, especially for a player carrying the weight of being the first person born in Japan to play in an NFL game. And he's playing for the team that made him love football; it was a lot. But they kept him around because they see something in him.
Cian Slone, DE
Reason: Slone moves like Maxx Crosby and has a similar motor.
I'm not saying Slone will be Maxx Crosby, but he certainly plays with the effort necessary for an underrated college prospect to shine in the NFL. And just watch him on tape; he moves like The Condor. Slone coming back to the practice squad was a huge win for the Raiders, and he could easily be called up on Sundays to help out as he continues to grow on special teams. This is a great one.
Roman Hemby, RB
Reason: Hemby has so much untapped potential.
The Raiders didn't utilize Hemby a lot this offseason, which was disappointing to the fanbase. But if it keeps him in Las Vegas to develop on the practice squad, then that's fine. His talent was obvious last season at Indiana, and he clearly hasn't reached his ceiling based on what little we've seen of him so far. So, look for him to continue growing with the Silver and Black as this season drags on.
Dare Ogunbowale, RB
Reason: Las Vegas has a veteran RB presence and an obvious Ashton Jeanty backup plan.
Okay, that's two reasons. But Ogunbowale is the elder statesman in the running back room, and it isn't particularly close. His leadership will be a great asset for the young group and for a special teams unit in Las Vegas that is a work in progress. Plus, if Jeanty isn't ready to go early in the year, Ogunbowale is an obvious game-day call-up, and with his experience, fans can count on him being ready to go.
Greedy Vance Jr., NCB
Reason: Vance Jr. is a plug-and-play guy at a key position.
Vance Jr. got some great in-game experience last year, and he looked quite comfortable playing the nickel this preseason. Is he some top-flight player at the spot? No. That's why he's on the practice squad. But he is capable of being thrown out there in a bind and not sinking the ship, so to speak, and that is a nice thing to have on the practice squad if the Raiders need a last-second boost or backup.
Brandon Cleveland, DT
Reason: He grew this preseason, and can continue to do so this year.
Cleveland didn't make many waves during training camp, and in the first two preseason games, he was MIA. But in the final exhibition contest, he popped out on the film with several run stops and a few good pass-rush reps. Cleveland clearly grew in the early going, and he should continue to do so with more time in the building. There's a reason Las Vegas nabbed him in Round 7, after all.
Gary Smith III, DT
Reason: Smith III can develop into that space-eating nose tackle.
Las Vegas fans have desperately wanted a big body to plug into the middle of the defensive front to eat up space, and Smith III can certainly become that. In the preseason, he was around the ball a lot, and Smith III made several nice plays against the run. A good pass-rush rep was also rewarded with a fumble recovery. He may not be ready quite yet, but Smith III looks capable of eventually having a role.
Deven Thompkins, WR
Reason: Thompkins provides a spark on special teams.
During the preseason, Thompkins was knocking on the door of breaking a big kick return. He flashed on offense at times, too, and Kubiak clearly wanted to get him touches, but Thompkins' best trait is his knack for finding yards in the return game. With the final few game-day spots going to special-teamers, Thompkins' ability in this phase could help him get activated a time or two, if need be.
Cody White, WR
Reason: He knows the Klint Kubiak system well.
White was the final addition to the practice squad, and the only one who came from outside the building. It is no shock, then, that he came from the Seattle Seahawks, where he spent last season with Klint Kubiak. He's already studied in this offense, and now the big-bodied White will compete for a spot on the bottom of the roster as he combines flashes at wideout with special teams ability.
Will Putnam, IOL
Reason: Putnam improved this preseason and is a versatile backup with experience.
Putnam has taken a lot of flak in the past, but he was thrown into the fire perhaps a bit too early in his development curve. But the third-year UDFA has stuck around so long for a reason, and Putnam finally took some significant steps this preseason, to the point that some thought he'd be a commodity on waivers. His ability to play all three spots on the interior is also a nice bonus.
Niklas Henning, G
Reason: A preseason position switch showed Henning is only scratching the surface.
Henning used to play tight end, and he recently transitioned to offensive tackle. When he got to Las Vegas, he continued moving further inside, and he played right guard all preseason. Henning looked really solid, particularly as a run-blocker, but he also improved in pass protection as the weeks went on. He may just be scratching the surface of what he's capable of.
Cameron McGrone, LB
Reason: McGrone showed in the preseason finale that he'll be ready at the drop of a hat.
McGrone was an animal in the preseason finale on defense, making several great tackles, a handful of run stops, and suffocating offensive players in pass coverage. After a rough debut, he settled in during the second game and shined in the last one. That kind of progress is a tremendous sign. He can also do the job on special teams, so McGrone should be on speed dial this season.
Devin Lafayette, SAF
Reason: Lafayette has ball skills that the Raiders' defense can build around.
Lafayette had a game-clinching interception against the Houston Texans, and he gave up just one reception all preseason for three yards. Missed tackles were an issue for him, but Lafayette is a willing helper in the run game, and his pick gave the Raiders a surge of confidence that they can help him develop and build around what got him to Las Vegas in the first place.
Jahfari Harvey, DE
Reason: He flashed this preseason, and has tools to develop.
Harvey has always been a toolsy player who is quite raw, but he had moments where he put it together this preseason. In the second contest, Harvey got into the backfield several times and not only got home once, but punched the ball out as well. He's also improving against the run, so if he can just stack days, it may not be long until Harvey is in the conversation for the bottom of the roster.
Albert Okwuegbunam Jr., TE
Reason: Okwuegbunam Jr. is a massive target who can help out in a bind.
Okwuegbunam Jr. is a 6-foot-5 and 258-pound target, and he was a fourth-round pick back in 2020 for a reason. He made the most of his lone appearance last season, catching five passes for 36 yards against the Indianapolis Colts. Although he didn't show much this preseason, he has enough experience to help out in a bind if the Raiders get in trouble at tight end.
Chris Myarick, TE
Reason: Myarick is a versatile veteran presence for a young practice squad.
Myarick has been around the block in the NFL and played for multiple different franchises, and teams keep him around because he's a pro's pro. Not only that, but Myarick has lined up everywhere in his NFL career, so he is an asset on the practice squad, where he can wear many hats to help out the Las Vegas starters. Plus, it's nice to have an established vet with a young crew.
Kamar Missouri, OT
Reason: Missouri already beat the odds.
Missouri was a rookie minicamp invitee, and he beat out Dalton Wagner and highly-paid UDFA Isaiah Jatta for a spot on the practice squad. He still needs a ton of development, as it wasn't all good this preseason for him, but Missouri ascended rapidly in the eyes of the Raiders' front office, and if he keeps up at that trajectory, he'll be fun to have in the building.
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