5 observations from ESPN’s final 53-man Raiders roster projection
By Brad Weiss
5 observations from ESPN’s final 53-man Raiders roster projection
Madre Harper rightfully earns roster spot
With the release of Prince Amukamara this week, the Raiders have officially turned the cornerback room over to the young guys, and that should excite fans of the team. Mike Mayock has done a great job revamping this group via the NFL Draft, bringing in Trayvon Mullen and Isaiah Johnson last year, before adding Damon Arnette and Amik Robertson in 2020.
In addition to the draft, Mayock has also hit on some solid undrafted free agents, including Keisean Nixon, Dylan Mabin, and Madre Harper. In his final 53-man, Gutierrez likes the Raiders to bring Harper with them in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, and he has rightfully earned that right this summer.
Harper began his college career at Oklahoma State, before transferring and playing the last two seasons at Southern Illinois. He is a ball-hawking cornerback who was one of the best in the country in passes defended last year, earning honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Conference honors.
Veteran Nevin Lawson will be suspended in Week 1, freeing up a spot in the secondary, and Harper has done enough this summer to earn a roster spot.