Oakland Raiders @ Green Bay Packers: Winners and Losers
Winners
Darius Latham
I mentioned that Latham is my favorite defensive UDFA in a 53-man roster projection, but that there may not be room for him on the roster because of the defensive line depth. But with Mario’s injury and with how well Latham has played, he could force the team’s hand.
Latham led all defensive players with 37 snaps, and got some run with the first-team. He consistently got pressure on the quarterback, and have a very good game overall. At the very least, he’s a practice squad lock, but let’s see if the team finds room for him on the 53.
Jamize Olawale
Olawale is the fullback of this team’s future, and by future, that should actually mean present.
Olawale is a better runner, blocker and pass catcher than Reece — and he is also four years younger and twice as cheap. The only advantage Marcel has is veteran leadership, but the team has plenty of that across the roster.
He once again played well against Green Bay, showing off his versatility and value in a number of different ways. It’s time for this torch to be passed.
Cory James
For the second game in a row, sixth-round pick Cory James has impressed. His closing speed is legit, and his pursuit skills are on point.
Heeney has largely been healthy, mainly just dealing with small injuries here and there, while Ball has been hampered by more serious injuries. If either get banged up, the team should feel comfortable with James stepping in.
Shilique Calhoun
Calhoun had a rough preseason debut against Arizona, often looking physically outmatched, and finding himself out of position on a few players. He looked like a completely different player this week, and a much more comfortable one at that.
Two plays in particular stood out — one where Calhoun set the edge and forced the runner inside — and this one, where Calhoun finished a sack in space.
Brynden Trawick
In my 53-man roster projection, I have Trawick winning the fourth safety spot over Keith McGill and Dewey McDonald.
The reason I listed was because of his special teams value — and Trawick delivered in that area against Green Bay. He made a nice move to get free and blocked a punt, which led to a Nate Allen touchdown recovery.
Since none of the options are standing out with their play at safety, Trawick’s special teams contribution could be the tiebreaker that wins him a job.
Next: Raiders @ Packers: Losers