Raiders 53-man roster projection after preseason opener
By Brad Weiss
Defensive Line (8): Mario Edwards Jr., Maurice Hurst Jr., PJ Hall, Bruce Irvin, Khalil Mack, Justin Ellis, Arden Key, Tank Carradine
The best overall player on the Raiders is defensive end Khalil Mack, and the only problem with that, is the fact that he is not with the team this summer. Mack is holding out for a new deal, and while some feel the Raiders may trade him, I think there is no way he is not in the Silver and Black in Week 1.
Bruce Irvin is moving to defensive end full-time in 2018, and he will be the starter on the opposite side of Mack. In the middle, the Raiders have the most depth they have had in a long time, and the rookies were certainly on display on Friday night against the Lions.
PJ Hall not only batted a ball down, but also made his first sack at the NFL level. Fellow rookie Maurice Hurst Jr. got solid pressure when he was in the game, and that was something that has definitely been lacking in recent years. Those two, along with Justin Ellis and Mario Edwards Jr. will be the four defensive tackles.
Tank Carradine should make the roster as well, providing veteran depth at the defensive end position. Arden Key did not play Friday, but he is a big part of the Raiders future plans, and has proven to be an absolute freak during practice early in training camp.