Oakland Raiders Preseason Week 1: Players to Watch

JAMES COWSER

Another UDFA that’s turned heads, Cowser was penciled into the second team on the initial depth chart, and that is consistent with his practice snaps. He’s been consistently practicing at DE and OLB as the backup to Khalil Mack – no small feat.

Cowser had incredible production in college – in fact, he’s the all-time FCS leader in tackles for a loss (80) and sacks (43.5) – but since it was against lower-level competition he didn’t get any love during the draft. That looks to be the Raiders good fortune at this point.

Cowser has, since day one of rookie minicamp, been a non-stop competitor who has impressed coaches and teammates with his football intelligence, positioning, and size/speed combination off the edge.

As Del Rio told Tafur, “He’s been impressive in the fact that he’s a good learner, he understands what we’re asking of him, what we want him to do, what we want him to be able to do, whether it’s special teams or defense as his role. He’s very conscientious.”

Cowser’s work ethic and willingness to do anything to help the team will go a long way to having him make the final 53 – and at this point, has vaulted him from UDFA to second string. It’ll be interesting to see what he can do against live NFL competition on Friday night.

Next: New Defensive Sheriff in Town