Projecting the Raiders 53-man roster after minicamp
By Brad Weiss
Special Teams
Eddy Pineiro (K), Johnny Townsend (P), Andrew DePaolo (LS), Dwayne Harris (KR), Ryan Switzer (PR)
It looks like the kicker position is going to get a long look this summer, as both Eddy Pineiro and Giorgio Tavecchio have been battling it out already during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. Each player has been given their own days to get to be the only one who kicks, and the reviews have been stronger for the rookie Pineiro so far.
This offseason, the Raiders released Marquette King, who was one of the better punting talents the NFL has to offer. He has been replaced by 2018 sixth-round pick Johnny Townsend, who was one of the best punters in college football during his time with the Florida Gators. Townsend and Pineiro were the special teams tandem for the Gators last season, and the just may be for Oakland in 2018.
Andrew DePaolo should replace Jon Condo as the team’s long-snapper this season, and it is very possible that newcomers Dwayne Harris and Ryan Switzer handle the return duties. Of course, Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington will get a long look to remain the returners for 2018, but Switzer and Harris were brought in as specialist to do the returning this season.
Next: Raiders: 17 questions heading into 2018 season
So there you have it. Our latest crack at what the 53-man roster could look like when the Raiders open up their 2018 campaign against the Los Angeles Rams. We still have a long way to go, but at this point, it seems the 90 men representing the roster are a solid collection of talent heading into the summer.