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Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 53-man roster prediction after preseason finale

By Connor Kurpat

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up prior to playing the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up prior to playing the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) recovers a fumble by New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (not pictured) in the first half of a game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in East Rutherford.Nyj Vs Lv
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) recovers a fumble by New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (not pictured) in the first half of a game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in East Rutherford.Nyj Vs Lv /

Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 53-man roster prediction after preseason finale

Defensive Tackle (5): Johnathan Hankins, Quinton Jefferson, Solomon Thomas, Gerald McCoy, Darius Philon

Let’s start by talking about Gerald McCoy’s performance against San Francisco on Sunday. He hasn’t played a snap in 20 months yet still had an impressive showing. It seems as though Las Vegas found a really great rotational, depth player for the roster.

One who is not only talented but one who also has veteran knowledge to boot.

Hankins and Jefferson seem to be the most logical options for the starter spots. Hankins has always been a great player for Vegas and Jefferson is familiar with Bradley’s scheme. Neither player needs to be exceptional at their position, either. They just need to do what they can to get their jobs done.

How Thomas will be used is still a mystery. Originally, he was expected to be the team’s number three defensive tackle. As the offseason progressed though, it seemed more evident that Las Vegas felt that Thomas lacked the size to be a serious force at defensive tackle. So, maybe Thomas sees the field less or occasionally plays a few downs at defensive end.

Also, Darius Philon was a pretty impressive player during the preseason, where he constantly found ways to break through opposing offensive lines and create a disruption. He has also apparently had a great camp this season. So, Philon may have some breakout potential this season.

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