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Oakland Raiders: Updated 53-man Roster Projection

By Nick Hjeltness

Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is greeted by teammates during player introductions before a NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is greeted by teammates during player introductions before a NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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53-man Roster Projection: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) congratulates wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) after Cooper made a second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) congratulates wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) after Cooper made a second quarter against the San Diego Chargers 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, Jake McGee, Colton Underwood.

The third TE spot was considered a toss-up, but Gabe Holmes will likely be headed to the IR.

Jake McGee was added to the roster as a replacement for OL Torian White, who was waived earlier in the preseason.

First Cut: Hansley, McCaffrey, McGee, Palmer — G. Holmes to IR.

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.

G. Holmes gets sent to IR, allowing the Raiders to only cut 14 players instead of 15. It makes sense to put Holmes on IR at the first cut deadline, as it gives extra time for another player to fight for a roster spot.

Second Cut: Brent, Hall, Mickens, O’Malley, Underwood.

Brent and Mickens were in the running for the fifth wide receiver spot, but it’s clear the team favors Holton.

Colton Underwood might be getting a date with Olympic Gold Medalist Aly Raisman, but he isn’t making the roster.

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

Holton ran away with the fifth WR spot. He’s performed well in all facets, including special teams, and has dominated snap counts. He beats out Mickens and Brent, who were his biggest competition.

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

Walford and Smith are automatic. Rivera and G. Holmes was a toss-up until Holmes went down with an injury, so no surprises here.

Next: 53-man Roster Projection: OL

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