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Oakland Raiders 53-man Roster Prediction

By Nick Hjeltness

Raiders defense runs through drills in early part of minicamp. The Raiders are hoping the depth they've added will bring out the best in everyone. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Raiders defense runs through drills in early part of minicamp. The Raiders are hoping the depth they've added will bring out the best in everyone. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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53-man Roster Prediction: Offensive Line

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) is pushed to the turf by Oakland Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) is pushed to the turf by Oakland Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

The Offensive Line: Donald Penn, Kelechi Osemele, Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson, Austin Howard, Menelik Watson, Jon Feliciano, Matt McCants, Vadal Alexander, Mitch Bell, Ross Burbank, Denver Kirkland, Oni Omoile, Terran Vaughn.

This is arguably the second best offensive line in football.

First Cut: Burbank, Vaughn.

Most teams carry nine offensive lineman. With 15 on the 90-man roster, at least three will likely be let go for the first cut. These three are a step below the others in terms of talent.

Second Cut: Bell, Kirkland, McCants, Omoile.

In my opinion, Kirkland and Omoile are a step above the UDFA’s who were included with the first cut. Bell was on the Raiders practice squad in 2015.

Who makes the team: Penn, Osemele, Hudson, Jackson, Howard, Watson, Feliciano, Alexander.

The first eight players should be a lock to make the roster, leaving room for one more offensive lineman — but the team may not use that additional spot thanks to the versatility of both Feliciano and Alexander.

Feliciano can serve as the backup center and also as the first backup interior offensive lineman. While Alexander can play on the interior of the offensive line, as well as right tackle.

If the team does decide to roster a ninth offensive lineman, McCants figures to be the favorite. His experience and familiarity with the team gives him a sizable advantage. If not McCants, Omoile is the next most likely option, although the team could just stash him on the practice squad. Same for Kirkland.

Next: 53-man Roster Prediction: DL

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