Oakland Raiders: What to expect from the rookies in 2018
By Brad Weiss
Offense
Kolton Miller, OT
Whether it is on the left side, or the right, Kolton Miller is going to find his name in the starting lineup in Week 1. Miller put on weight from minicamp to training camp, and he has gotten better every day since the team arrived in Napa.
Many people scoffed when the Raiders selected Miller in the first round in April, but he has the look of a legitimate tackle in the NFL. He will make some people eat their words this season.
Brandon Parker, OT
The Raiders third round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Parker will be used for depth in his first season in the NFL. Eventually, the Raiders are hoping that Miller and Parker will be their bookends at the tackle position for many year, but in 2018, he will be inserted into the starting lineup only if someone goes down via the injury.
Marcell Ateman, WR
One of the best surprises of training camp through the first week, Marcell Ateman has been making incredible grabs over defenders seemingly every day. He was a sixth-round pick, and the Raiders have a bunch of guys in front of him on the depth chart, but he is making it very hard for the Raiders not to have him on the 53. Look for him to make the team, and be a red zone threat in certain packages.
Saeed Blacknall, WR
Blacknall had a solid career as a member of the Penn State Nittany Lions, but he is going to have a very difficult time making this roster this summer. He may be a practice squad player this season, or take his talents elsewhere after he is inevitably cut.
Marcus Baugh, TE
With Derek Carrier missing time early in camp, Marcus Baugh has gotten an opportunity to show what he can do. While it is unlikely he makes the team this summer, he has really turned some heads, and the Raiders would love to have him on the practice squad once the team breaks camp.
Paul Butler, TE
Butler will be a camp body for a couple of weeks, but will eventually be let go by the Raiders before the rosters get tight. He is the last tight end on the depth chart right now, and is going to stay there.
Ryan Yurachek, FB
A tremendous tight end in college, Ryan Yurachek was added to the Raiders 90-man roster prior to training camp. He has a nice skill set, but the team is only going to carry one fullback, and that is going to be the veteran Keith Smith.
Chris Warren, RB
With Jalen Richard dealing with an injury early in camp, Chris Warren is going to get a long look by the team this summer. He is not going to be on the 53-man roster to start the season, but he is incredibly talented, and the hope is he stays with the organization after training camp wraps up.
James Butler, RB
Butler was added as depth at the running back position early in camp due to some guys being banged up, and his run with the Silver and Black will not last long.