Oakland Raiders: 10 Over or Under predictions for 2016

Mychal Rivera starts the season as No. 3 tight end

Under

No lie, Rivera’s job is in jeopardy. Raiders insider Scott Bair wrote that the Raiders phased him out in 2015, despite him catching more than 500 yards in 2014.

Now, Rivera faces competition from Lee Smith, the blocking tight end, and Clive Walford, the second year player with big potential. Don’t forget Gabe Holmes will make a push at a roster position.

Therefore, I think it is mutually beneficial for Rivera to start the season elsewhere. He brings value as a receiver from the line, outside, or in the backfield. Rivera has value on this team for that role, especially as Marcel Reece serves a suspension. However, I think the Raiders will do Rivera a solid by releasing or hopefully trading him before Week One. Last season, they did a similar thing with Sio Moore and Brice Butler.

Next: Hayden the third corner?