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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: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Oakland Raider wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) runs for a touchdown after making a second quarter catch as San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget (94) gives chase at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Oakland Raider wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) runs for a touchdown after making a second quarter catch as San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget (94) gives chase at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

The WR’s: Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Seth Roberts, Andre Holmes, K.J. Brent, Marvin Hall, Joe Hansley, Johnny Holton, Max McCaffrey, Jaydon Mickens, Nathan Palmer.

Looking across the roster, there is seemingly room for two or maybe three UDFA’s. The fifth WR spot will most certainly go to one of them. Every single WR UDFA has previous KR or PR experience, so it’s clear what the team is looking for.

The TE’s: Clive Walford, Lee Smith, Mychal Rivera, Gabe Holmes, Ryan O’Malley, Colton Underwood, Jake McGee.

The third TE spot was considered a toss-up, but Holmes will likely be headed to IR. Jake McGee was added to the roster as a replacement for OL Torian White, who was waived.

First Cut: Hansley, McCaffrey, McGee, Palmer.

Not much drama here, as there is a clear group of WR’s who have separated themselves from the pack. For the TE’s, newly added McGee is let go.

Second Cut: Brent, Hall, Mickens, O’Malley, Underwood, G. Holmes to IR.

Mickens was the toughest cut from this group, but team clearly favors Holton for the fifth WR spot, leaving Mickens and the others off the 53-man roster.

Holmes was added to the roster at the end of 2015 and was expected to compete with Rivera for the third TE spot, but a serious ankle injury will likely land him on IR.

WR’s that makes the team: Cooper, Crabtree, Roberts, Holmes, Holton.

For the fifth WR spot, upside is important. Finding a playmaker that is a threat to score, but that still may need some refinement, is the direction to go.

Holton has been that player throughout training camp. He catches everything, and is an impressive athlete. He’s also contributed in kick and punt returns and as a gunner, so he could see some playing time there. By most accounts, it’s his job to lose.

TE’s that makes the team: Walford, Smith, Rivera.

Walford and Smith are automatic. No surprises here.

Next: 53-man Roster Prediction: OL

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