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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: Linebackers

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) returns an interception thrown by San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (not pictured) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) returns an interception thrown by San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (not pictured) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Linebackers: *Aldon Smith, Malcolm Smith, Ben Heeney, Neiron Ball, Bruce Irvin, Shilique Calhoun, Cory James, Lenny Jones, John Lotulelei, Kyrie Wilson, Daren Bates, Korey Toomer.

*Aldon doesn’t count as a roster spot while suspended, as explained earlier with Reece.

Daren Bates and Korey Toomer are officially listed as linebackers, but their forte is on special teams, as that is where they would earn their keep.

First Cut: Jones, Lotulelei.

Lotulelei is on his third NFL team since entering the league as a UDFA in 2013. With that being said, it’s already known what he brings to the table, and it isn’t enough to make the roster.

Lenny Jones presumably replaced Damontre Moore on the roster — who seemed like he had an outside shot at a roster spot.

Second Cut: Wilson.

Wilson is an athletic linebacker, but quality depth and superior talent ahead of him, he seems destined for a spot on the practice squad.

Who makes the team: *Aldon, Malcolm, Heeney, Ball, Irvin, Calhoun, James, Bates, Toomer.

The linebacker group doesn’t have much top-end talent, sans Irvin, but there is some quality depth in place.

Toomer is a special teams stud who has shown he can provide needed depth at the position. The same can be said for Bates.

Next: 53-man Roster Prediction: DB

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