Raiders 53-man roster projection after preseason game No. 2

By Brad Weiss | Aug 20, 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 18: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders coaches from the sideline during the first half of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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Defensive Line (8): Bruce Irvin, Khalil Mack, Tank Carradine, Arden Key, PJ Hall, Maurice Hurst Jr., Mario Edwards Jr., Justin Ellis

The Raiders defensive line is much-improved over last season, as rookies PJ Hall and Maurice Hurst Jr. have really turned heads this summer. Both of them are going to play huge roles on this defense in year one, and with Justin Ellis returning, there is suddenly some solid depth in the middle.

Khalil Mack has yet to return to the team, but you have to believe he will be with the Raiders when they kick off the regular season. Bruce Irvin has really stepped up as the leader of the defensive line in his absence, and is another guy who could have a monster year thanks to the talent the Raiders brought to the interior of the defensive line.

Mario Edwards Jr. and Tank Carradine should also make the 53-man roster, though Edwards could be on the bubble as we move closer to the regular season. Rookie Arden Key has the talent to be a double-digit sack guy in the NFL, and with Paul Guenther putting him in positions to succeed, he is going to make an impact in year one.

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