Oakland Raiders Week 1 53-man roster projection v.4
By Nick Ellis
Defensive Line (10): Clelin Ferrell, Arden Key, Maurice Hurst, PJ Hall, Johnathan Hankins, Justin Ellis, Josh Mauro, Ethan Westbrooks, Maxx Crosby, Anthony Rush
The defensive line for the Raiders is starting to finally come together, as Clelin Ferrell, Arden Key, and Maurice Hurst have all impressed this preseason. P.J. Hall made a few big plays in the win against the Packers this week, as well, as he continues to develop in year No. 2 in the NFL.
Johnathan Hankins and Justin Ellis should make the roster as starting defensive tackles and veterans, along with Josh Mauro starting at defensive end. Ferrell and fellow draft pick Maxx Crosby are two very exciting defensive ends, and their growth should lead to Arden Key having a tremendous year as a situational pass rusher.
Ethan Westbrooks and Anthony Rush have impressed a ton during the preseason, and could steal the last roster spot on the defensive line over players such as Benson Mayowa and Quinton Bell, a seventh round draft pick of the Raiders this past April.
This may be the hardest spot to pick, as Westbrooks and Rush have been great surprises for the team, but Mayowa and Ellis are solid veterans. It will be interesting to see who the Raiders role with when the time comes.