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Oakland Raiders 75-man Roster Breakdown: Safe/On The Bubble

By Nick Hjeltness

Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) celebrates after a safety against the San Diego Chargers during an NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) celebrates after a safety against the San Diego Chargers during an NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Comfortable

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) looks on from the field during the second quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Oakland won 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) looks on from the field during the second quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Oakland won 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

The second tier is players who should feel comfortable about their status with the team. While they aren’t 100% locks to make the roster, it would be quite the surprise if any of these players were let go.

  • Vadal Alexander
  • Denico Autry
  • Neiron Ball
  • Connor Cook
  • Jon Feliciano
  • D.J. Hayden
  • Dexter McDonald
  • Matt McGloin
  • Marcel Reece
  • Mychal Rivera
  • Dan Williams

Most of these are notable, and several of them will receive quite a bit of playing time. But that doesn’t mean they are completely safe.

Take Dan Williams as example. One of the best players on the defense in 2015, he struggled with conditioning during the offseason and was demoted as a result.

Vadal seems set as the eight offensive lineman, but if the team wants to go with just eight offensive linemen and if they prefer McCants, Alexander could end up on the practice squad.

Autry may have been considered a lock prior to the start of the preseason, but he’s underwhelmed thus far.

Most fans probably wish D.J. Hayden wasn’t listed with this group, but he’s in-line to be the nickel corner. And with only one reason left on his contract, there is no real reason to cut him at this point.

The reason why McGloin and Cook are here, even though the team seems very likely to carry three quarterbacks, is due to a potential trade. Several teams are in need of a quarterback, and the Raiders could part ways with one of them, and use that roster spot elsewhere. Don’t hold your breath, though.

Next: Raiders 75-man Roster Breakdown: Middle-Ground

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