The 2020 Las Vegas Raiders have more talent, and depth than years past, which means some guys could be gone before the preseason begins.
The 2020 Las Vegas Raiders roster is much improved from last year, meaning it will become even more difficult for players to make the roster. Since taking over as general manager, Mike Mayock has done a nice job in teaming with Jon Gruden to revamp this roster, thanks to some solid drafting, and free agency spending.
The Raiders have improved their roster a ton since the 2019 season, adding not only instant starters, but a lot of depth. Players are going to have to prove themselves even more with the shortened offseason and camp, and players that were on the bubble last year may not make the roster this year.
As we inch closer to July, the Raiders current roster has taken shape, and looking at the depth chart, big decisions will have to be made. One thing has been made clear, Gruden will cut you no matter where you were drafted, and if you cannot help him win games, you will be shown the door.
Here are four players who could be cut before the preseason.
Las Vegas Raiders: 4 players who could be cut before the preseason
Zay Jones, WR
One player that Raiders fans have been getting excited about this off season is Zay Jones because of the amount of work he has been doing with Derek Carr over the last couple of months. Unfortunately, that does not guarantee a spot on the roster, as the Raiders have made a concerted effort to revamp the wide receiver room this offseason.
Jones has not done much over the last two years, whether it was with the Raiders or the Buffalo Bills. He had plenty of playing time last season with the two teams, but only recorded 20 catches for 174 yards and no touchdowns. In 2018, Jones recorded seven receptions for 69 yards.
The Raiders have more than enough receivers on the roster right now, with Henry Ruggs III, Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow, Bryan Edwards, and Nelson Agholor. In addition, Lynn Bowden Jr can potentially playing wide receiver if the necessity arises. If all those guys stay, Jones is likely the odd man out.
Las Vegas Raiders: 4 players who could be cut before the preseason
Devontae Booker, RB
The Raiders needed to get help for Josh Jacobs in the running back group, but Devontae Booker was not the player that I had in mind. Jalen Richard is a good combination with Jacobs, as Richard is a great pass-catcher, but the Raiders lacked a big, smash mouth runner to compliment their second-year back.
Unfortunately, the Raiders brought in another receiving back, and one that has not produced lately as well. Booker has not had a good season since 2016, and with Jacobs carrying most of the load, he likely will not be needed in 2020.
Richard and rookie Lynn Bowden Jr. are both versatile backs, and are going to fit in nicely behind Jacobs. For Booker, he is going to have to have one heck of a camp to make this team, as Richard is not going anywhere after signing an extension, and Bowden is viewed as a steal of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders: 4 players who could be cut before the preseason
P.J. Hall, DT
PJ Hall has not been the player the Raiders had hoped he would become when they selected him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and although he has not been awful, he will be fighting for a spot on the team. In two years, Hall has recorded just 1.5 sacks as a player that was brought in to be a pass rushing defensive tackle, and he has company in 2020.
The Raiders have a solid group of defensive tackles, and although there is a good chance that Hall makes the team, there are no promises. Fellow 2018 draft pick Maurice Hurst has had a much better start to his career, and Johnathan Hankins proved that he can get the job done in his first year with the team in 2019.
Finally, the addition of Maliek Collins could be the last straw for Hall, who will have to prove to new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli that he can get his career on track. Marinelli comes to the Raiders from Dallas, just like Collins, and if Hall falters this summer, I do not see Gruden hesitating to move on.
Las Vegas Raiders: 4 players who could be cut before the preseason
Brandon Parker, OT
Raiders fans have been asking for Brandon Parker to be released since his rookie season, and this year will likely be that year. Parker was kept on the roster because of his ability to play multiple positions, but the Raiders now have multiple offensive lineman that can do that, as well as play at a much higher level.
Parker was arguably the worst offensive lineman in the league in his rookie season, and although he has improved, he is still a liability when on the field. I would be incredibly surprised if he makes the team in 2020, especially due to the fact the Raiders brought in good depth guys in Eric Kush and Erik Magnuson this offseason to fight for a job.
Denzelle Good and David Sharpe are going to make the team, and with Trent Brown and Kolton Miller locked in as starters, I am struggling to see where Parker fits. He was a third round pick of the Raiders in a 2018 draft class that is starting to look like a complete dud outside of Miller and Hurst.