Five Oakland Raiders to watch in Preseason Week 2

Cory James

The sixth-round draft pick out of Colorado State did his part in making sure people knew who he was against the Cards. The rookie had five tackles, looked fluid in coverage and delivered a hit on special teams that was felt throughout the stadium. James finds himself as a player who the coaching staff seems to want to take hold of a roster spot, and will surely get every opportunity to do so.

Coincidentally, after Ben Heeney tweaked his ankle this week, James could find his role expanding quite a bit. The depth at middle linebacker is not something the Raiders are very deep at, or proven at either, making James an ideal candidate for the backup middle linebacker position. Should the Raiders proceed with caution and rest Heeney Thursday night in Green Bay, it seems as though James could be in line to start.

Such a scenario in a preseason game at Lambeau Field would be great for a player like James. Even though it is a preseason game, any and all reps that he can get before the season starts not only helps his roster chances, but will provide solid building blocks heading into the season, should his number be called upon.

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