Oakland Raiders vs. Tennessee Titans: Five Things To Watch

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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Darius Latham (75) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Darius Latham has been the best rookie — not just the best UDFA — for the Raiders, on either side of the ball.

Not only that, but he’s been the best defensive rookie in the entire preseason, according to PFF.

Top graded rookies through two weeks of the preseason
DT/NT: Darius Latham, OAK
4-3 OLB: Jeremy Cash, CAR
Edge Def: Romeo Okwara, NYG
— PFF (@PFF) August 21, 2016

The team recognizes that, and have rewarded Latham with first-team reps and the most snaps of any player on defense in week two.

Latham certainly has a shot to play his way onto the 53-man roster, but it might be difficult to find room for him. The defensive line is deep, but with Mario Edwards Jr. possibly hurt for the first game or two, the team could keep Latham at least until then.

The issue with putting Latham on the practice squad — either before the season starts, or after Edwards returns — is the possibility of losing him to another team.

So we’ll see if Latham can keep up this performance for a third game in a row. If he does, there will likely have to be a surprise cut somewhere to find room for him.

Next: Raiders vs. Titans Five Things: First Cuts

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