Raiders 53-man roster projection after preseason opener
By Brad Weiss
Tight End (3): Jared Cook, Lee Smith, Derek Carrier
The tight end position group is one of the more boring positions to project, as it is going to take a lot for Jared Cook, Lee Smith, and Derek Carrier to not make the roster. Cook led the Raiders in receiving yards last season, and Smith and Carrier are going to have a solid role on the offense due to their blocking skills.
On Friday night, in a play that would be called back, both Smith and Carrier helped spring running back Marshawn Lynch for a 60-yard gain. The tandem are going to play a big role in the run game this season, and Gruden loves to pound the ball against teams, especially with the lead.
Paul Butler made a little noise on Friday, making a nice grab down the right sideline. He is a guy who was a featured a bit against the Lions, but with the logjam at the tight end position, he is going to have a hard time making the 53-man roster this summer.
The only other tight end to catch a ball was Marcus Baugh, who is actually a pretty athletic player at the position. He is a guy I would like the team to keep as a practice squad player, but with his skill set, he is likely to get a chance elsewhere when the Raiders cut him eventually.