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Oakland Raiders: 5 Players Who Could Lose Their Jobs

By Austin Gayle

Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) prepares to throw a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) prepares to throw a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 31, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Andre Holmes (18) catches a pass at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Andre Holmes (18) catches a pass at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Andre Holmes

Andre Holmes, a former undrafted free agent out of Hillsdale in 2011, is entering his fourth season with the Silver and Black, and though he has flashed his potential at times, his role within Oakland’s offense remains fluid.

With just 14 receptions for 201 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games last season, Holmes has yet to prove that he is talented enough to emerge as a volume catcher outside the red zone. At 6’4”, 210 pounds, Holmes is able to sky over defenders in the back of the end zone, but without strong speed and reliable hands, he has struggled to earn a stronger role. Also, his lack of short area quickness and raw route-running ability has forced him to become relatively one dimensional, for he doesn’t have the skill set necessary to split time with Seth Roberts at slot receiver.

According to ProFootballFocus.com, Holmes graded out as the 103rd overall wide receiver among the 121 eligible in 2015, as he finished with below average grades in both receiving and run blocking.

Unfortunately for Holmes, several UDFA’s Oakland will have competing in training camp will add versatility to the Raiders’ roster that Holmes simply cannot mirror. Former Colorado State receiver Joe Hansley and Washington’s Jaydon Mickens have both impressed Raiders special teams coach Brad Seely with their ability in the return game, and the two smaller, quicker receivers should draw significant interest inside the hashes.

Hansley brought in 28 receptions for 415 yards and six touchdowns; Mickens accumulated 58 receptions for 692 yards and two touchdowns in 2015, per CFBStats.com.

With Michael Crabtree, Amari Cooper, and Roberts expected to hold Oakland’s top three receiving spots; the fourth receiver spot is Holmes’ job to lose. Given Holmes’ impact as a core special teamer, he should remain on the roster regardless of what happens throughout the offseason, but look for the competition to heat up as the UDFAs behind him look to take advantage of the Raiders’ lack of depth at receiver.

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