Raiders 53-man roster projection after preseason game No. 3

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OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 19: LeeSmith No. 86 and Jared Cook No. 87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after Smith caught a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Tight End (3): Jared Cook, Lee Smith, Derek Carrier

The most boring position when it comes to predicting who will make the final regular season roster is tight end, as these spots are set in stone. The Raiders are going to roll with Jared Cook, Derek Carrier, and Lee Smith, all of whom bring something different to the table.

Cook was the team’s leading receiver last season, although in the team’s new offense, that is certainly not going to be the case. He will be a weapon when it comes to the red zone, but when the team is ready to pound one in, look for Smith and Carrier to shoulder that load.

Gruden loves to pound the ball, and Smith and Carrier have shown throughout the preseason that they can clear the way on running plays. These are three very good tight ends, and Gruden and his staff have to be comfortable no matter which tight ends are on the field at any given time.

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