Las Vegas Raiders add Theo Riddick, Kyle Emaunel to roster

The Las Vegas Raiders added two players who did not play in 2019 on Saturday, bringing in running back Theo Riddick and linebacker Kyle Emanuel.

The Las Vegas Raiders made two curious signings on Saturday, bringing in two players who did not play during the 2019 NFL season. Las Vegas signed both Theo Riddick, a pass-catching running back last seen with the Detroit Lions, and former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kyle Emanuel, as they continue to revamp the roster for the 2020 campaign.

The Raiders had been working out a number of players this past week, including former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones.

The Raiders now have seven running backs on the 80-man roster, and although we know that only three or four are going to make the final 53-man roster, it is a curious decision to bring Riddick in. An elite pass-catcher, Riddick could carve out a role in the Raiders offense in that capacity, but the team already has a bunch of guys who bring that skill set to the table.

Starter Josh Jacobs wants a bigger role in the passing game, Jalen Richard is an excellent pass catcher, and rookie third round pick Lynn Bowden is already set as a “joker” role.

It seems like it will be an uphill battle for Riddick to make the roster.

This offseason, the Raiders had already signed former Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker, and brought back running back Rod Smith, who spent time with the Raiders as well as the Tennessee Titans last season after spending the majority of his first four years in Dallas.

Looking at Theo Riddick

Playing a total of six seasons with the Lions, Riddick totaled 84 games played, with only 19 starts.  He rushed 288 times for a total of 1,053 yards and five touchdowns across those seasons, but did the most damage catching the ball.

Riddick finished up with 285 receptions for 2,238 yards and 14 touchdowns.  Obviously that’s where Coach Jon Gruden believes the Raiders need the most help.

Now we will see what his role will be as well as Jacobs, Richard, and Bowden are all shoo-ins to make the roster out of camp.  If he can showcase his receiving ability, as well as show a willingness to throw blocks, the savvy veteran could sneak his way onto the roster, but it is unlikely at this point in camp.

In terms of Emanuel, he will have a legitimate opportunity to make this roster, as the Raiders still have work to do in terms of the linebacker position. While Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski are ingrained as starters, Tanner Muse, Nicholas Morrow, and Javin White are looking to win the final starting job, and depth will be needed behind whichever man wins the job.