Las Vegas Raiders: 3 potential waiver wire additions after cutdowns
Bobby Hart, Offensive Tackle
Following the team’s preseason Week 3 performance, Gruden began his press conference by mentioning the offensive lineman depth. The Raiders starting offensive line is set and the top backups are locked in. John Simpson, Nick Martin, and Brandon Parker will be the top reserves at each position and are likely to play at some point given the grueling NFL schedule.
Jaryd Jones-Smith was hyped up by Mike Mayock during off-season practices but he struggled mightily during camp and preseason.
Enter Bobby Hart. Hart is a notoriously frustrating player throughout his career. However, Gruden has shown his preference for experience with his backup lineman with the likes of Sam Young and Justin Murray. Hart certainly offers the team experience as he’s started 66 career games and appeared in 79.
For years he has frustrated fans of the Giants and Bengals and reports out of Bills camp suggest he is on the chopping block. If this is the case, it could be worthwhile for the Raiders to put a claim in for Hart and move Jones-Smith to the practice squad.
The state of the NFL has shown a lack of talent at the tackle position and Brandon Parker is already a weak option, but they need another. Experience is important and it could motivate the Raiders to place a claim.