Las Vegas Raiders: 5 players that can earn a spot against San Francisco

5 of 6

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 14: Quarterback Alex McGough #10 of the Seattle Seahawks drops back to throw as center Brad Lundblade #64 of the Seahawks blocks defensive end defensive tackle Darius Philon #96 of the Las Vegas Raiders during a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 20-7. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: 5 players that can earn a spot against San Francisco

Darius Philon – DT

Darius Philon was signed by the Raiders this summer and at first, he seemed like an afterthought addition and camp body. Gruden and Gus Bradley were reportedly watching film from early on in Bradley’s tenure with the Chargers and Gruden saw how well Philon was playing and inquired about his status.

The veteran defensive lineman had been out of the league since 2018 due to legal issues but the Raiders took a flyer on him to add depth to a unit that struggled mightily in 2020.

Things have worked out well for Philon as he has started a couple games in the preseason and has looked good despite not putting up many stats. This is typical for interior defensive lineman but the eye test has been kind to him and he has shown flashes of talent.

Philon has looked every bit the player that he was as an interior disruptor with the Chargers and he has an excellent chance of making the final roster as a backup defensive tackle. He is a bit undersized at 6-1, 286lbs but he has great short-area quickness and in his last season with LA he recorded 4 sacks so even a fraction of that return for a backup lineman would be excellent.

We can expect to see Philon get plenty of playing time on Sunday and he will have a great chance to earn a spot as the 4th defensive tackle on the roster.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News