Las Vegas Raiders: 3 biggest mistakes from the initial 53-man roster

Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden (left) and general manager Mike Mayock walk off the field after the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden (left) and general manager Mike Mayock walk off the field after the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 14: Quarterback Nathan Peterman #3 of the Las Vegas Raiders talks with offensive line coach Tom Cable during a stop-in play of a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 20-7. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to finally get to the playoffs this season, but a few mistakes were made when they cut the roster from 80 to 53.

The Las Vegas Raiders have done a nice job revamping the roster this offseason, after another late-season collapse during the 2020 campaign. They have brought in a bunch of new faces on both sides of the ball and based on the initial 53-man roster, there is definitely more talent in this year’s group.

However, as is the case with every cut-down, mistakes are to be made, and these three are the biggest ones made by Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock.

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 biggest mistakes from the current 53-man roster

Keeping Nathan Peterman

We get it, Gruden loves Nathan Peterman, and many felt that he would be on the 53-man roster when the cuts came down, especially after taking nearly every snap this preseason. While Peterman is a serviceable backup, and could likely be a No. 2 on other teams, the Raiders keeping three quarterbacks just does not make sense.

Last season, the Raiders suffered significant injuries, and COVID losses at other position groups, while only needing to use a quarterback not named Derek Carr in one game. Keeping Peterman on the roster meant that some talented guys in other spots had to be cut, and that could prove to be a mistake when all is said and done.