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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: Offensive Line

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) is pushed to the turf by Oakland Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) is pushed to the turf by Oakland Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

The Offensive Line: Donald Penn, Kelechi Osemele, Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson, Austin Howard, Menelik Watson, Jon Feliciano, Matt McCants, Vadal Alexander, Mitch Bell, Ross Burbank, Denver Kirkland, Oni Omoile, Terran Vaughn.

This is arguably the second best offensive line in football.

First Cut: Burbank, Vaughn.

Most teams carry nine offensive lineman. With 14 on the 90-man roster, at least five have to be let go.

Burbank and Vaughn are a step below the others in terms of talent.

Second Cut: Bell, Kirkland, McCants, Omoile.

In my opinion, Kirkland and Omoile are clearly the superior OL UDFA’s. Bell was on the Raiders practice squad in 2015, but hasn’t seen much playing time during the preseason.

The first eight players should be a lock to make the roster, leaving room for one more offensive lineman, if the team decides to add a ninth. But the versatility of Feliciano and Alexander might be enough to carry only eight, which is what I think happens.

Who makes the team: Penn, Osemele, Hudson, Jackson, Howard, Watson, Feliciano, Alexander.

Feliciano can act as the backup interior offensive lineman, including at center, while Vadal can fill in at both guard and at right tackle.

If the team does decided to carry a ninth offensive lineman, McCants figures to be the favorite. His experience and familiarity with the team gives him a sizable advantage.

Kirkland and Omoile have impressed, but both are likely destined for the practice squad.

Next: 53-man Roster Projection: DL

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