3 surprising breakout candidates for the Oakland Raiders in 2019

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OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 24: Arden Key #99 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after he sacked the quarterback against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

If the Oakland Raiders want to change their fortune in 2019, a handful of unexpected players will need to elevate their level of play.

Every year there are breakout performers that help aid a team in going from bad to competitive or even sometimes great. For the Oakland Raiders, they are hoping they can be the 2019 Cinderella that shocks most of the football world. Much like the Indianapolis Colts or Chicago Bears did in 2018, going from below average all the way to the playoffs. For those teams, several players stepped up their game so Oakland will need similar production from their roster.

Maurice Hurst, Garen Conley, and Kolton Miller are all guys we expected to be lead candidates for a breakout season.

However, who are the guys we might not see coming in 2019 that could blossom into great contributors or even pro bowlers?

Jon Gruden is probably asking himself this same question as he continues to evaluate what is a very different team than the one he inherited. So let’s help give him some possible answers.

Here are three candidates that have a good chance to elevate their play to the next level in 2019.

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