Predicting Raiders 53-man roster entering training camp
By Brad Weiss
Running Back (4): Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin, Jalen Richard, Keith Smith
For the past two years, both Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington have provided depth at the running back position for the Raiders. However, with the arrival of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers back Doug Martin this offseason, only one of them makes the 53-man roster out of camp.
Martin has looked very good since putting on the Silver and Black, and should be a nice backup to starter Marshawn Lynch in 2018. Lynch really got his motor going the second half of the season, and he has gelled nicely with head coach Jon Gruden so far this offseason.
Keith Smith will replace Jamize Olawale at fullback, giving Gruden that punishing player that he so loves clearing holes for his running backs. In total, this looks like a very nice position group heading into Napa.
Tight End (3): Lee Smith, Derek Carrier, Jared Cook
Incredibly, Jared Cook actually led the Raiders in receiving yards last season, which says a lot about the job done by offensive coordinator Todd Downing. Cook is a solid tight end, but there is no way he should be leading this team in receiving ever.
Cook will be the pass-catching tight end for the team once again in 2018, and guys like Lee Smith and Derek Carrier will provide excellent blocking for the running backs. Gruden likes to have big, physical tight ends on the roster, and Smith and Carrier will fill that role nicely for him in year one of his 10-year contract.