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Five Key Players for the Oakland Raiders to Watch in the 2017 Shrine Game

By Diante Lee

Sep 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Marquel Lee (8) celebrates after a sack during the third quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Wake defeated Duke 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Marquel Lee (8) celebrates after a sack during the third quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Wake defeated Duke 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes running back Joe Williams (28) runs with the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes running back Joe Williams (28) runs with the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Williams, Running Back, Utah (5-11, 205 lbs)

The Raiders have had a hard time finding an every down back of late. With Latavius Murray’s contract coming up, finding inexpensive talent to develop is an attractive option.

Williams is an effective downhill back, tallying over 1,000 yards rushing despite the games he missed while considering retirement. His familiarity with a power-style offense at Utah can help Oakland generate more production in the run game, and his burst through holes shows confidence in his reads.

Williams is not shifty, so he’s going to have to run through tackles at the 2nd and 3rd levels to create offense in the pros.

Oct 8, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; Air Force Falcons wide receiver Jalen Robinette (9) makes a catch against Wyoming Cowboys cornerback Antonio Hull (21) during the third quarter at War Memorial Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Falcons 35-26. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; Air Force Falcons wide receiver Jalen Robinette (9) makes a catch against Wyoming Cowboys cornerback Antonio Hull (21) during the third quarter at War Memorial Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Falcons 35-26. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

Jalen Robinette, Wide Receiver, Air Force (6-4, 215 lbs)

One of the most important facets of a modern passing game is the ability to  into different spots on the field. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree dominate from the perimeter now, but putting them in the slot opens up the offense much more.

Having a large WR to play outside, like Robinette, can help. Despite his size, he’s not a slow WR, and he tracks the ball well in the air. He did not play in an offense that required running the entire route tree, so his ability to separate from similar or better competition is a key throughout practices and game day.

Next: Raiders Top 10 Plays of 2016

With the riches Oakland already boasts, Robinette is an interesting name to watch on Day 3.

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