The first full week of NFL preseason action is quickly approaching, and the Las Vegas Raiders have a few players who must show their best in exhibition play to retain roster spots.
After several training camp sessions, we're starting to see some separation on the depth chart. The Raiders' coaching staff has experimented with personnel groupings, and youngsters have excelled in padded practices.
On the flip side, a few veterans are under immense pressure. For them, the preseason could make or break their summer. Here's an offseason update on three players who could be cut or traded by the end of the month.
Three Las Vegas Raiders are already in danger of losing their roster spots
QB Aidan O'Connell
Aidan O'Connell hasn't fallen behind in the quarterback competition because of poor performances, but he could be third on the depth chart due to Fernando Mendoza's steady improvement.
On Friday, Mendoza bounced back from miscues during team drills. The Athletic's Sam Warren highlighted the rookie's ability to learn from his mistakes.
"The No. 1 pick had some misses during goal-line one-on-ones, underthrowing receiver Tre Tucker on a fade in the end zone and throwing a crosser behind tight end Ian Thomas. But, as the coaching staff wants to see, Mendoza didn’t make mistakes twice, hitting Bowers and receiver Phillip Dorsett II for touchdowns in the period."Â
Although Mendoza is clearly behind Kirk Cousins in the pecking order, he's shown progress and can play his way into the primary backup role in the preseason. If that happens, the Raiders would likely shop O'Connell on the trade block if they're not doing so already.
With Mendoza making strides, O'Connell doesn't control his destiny ahead of roster cuts. If he struggles, the team can simply release him. With solid showings in the preseason, the fourth-year pro may attract trade suitors.
IOL Jordan Meredith
The Raiders have mixed and matched offensive linemen among their first, second and third teams. They have given younger players more opportunities to rise up the depth chart, though it recently happened at Jordan Meredith's expense.
According to Warren, Meredith went from splitting snaps at center with rookie third-rounder Trey Zuhn III to a third-stringer behind Will Putnam.
"Meredith had been mixing in with Zuhn at center with the second team to start camp. Zuhn bumping outside on Sunday should have allowed the veteran to claim all of the rookie’s snaps, but Meredith was instead relegated to the threes, and Will Putnam served as the second-team center."
Both Meredith and Putnam struggled at center last season. At the pivot, Putnam allowed eight pressures, including three sacks, and Meredith gave up 12 pressures and a sack, per Pro Football Focus. The two interior offensive linemen also had lapses in pass protection at guard.
Meredith's reps with the third-team offense are noteworthy because he's been a primary starter at all three interior spots across the offensive line over the last two seasons.
The versatile veteran may not just lose a starting job; he could be the odd man out of the rotation with the addition of Tyler Linderbaum, Spencer Burford and Zuhn.
WR Dont'e Thornton Jr.
Dont'e Thornton Jr. has multiple factors working against him.Â
First and foremost, rookie sixth-round wideout Malik Benson has emerged as a star at training camp. He's put pressure on players competing for backup spots.
In contention for a position on the back end of the depth chart, Thornton will need to stand out on special teams to make the roster. In college, he didn't play on special teams.Â
Silver and Black Sports Network's Jesse Merrick spotted Thornton working in the gunner role on special teams in a recent session.
On Friday, Thornton left practice early because of an injury, per ESPN's Ryan McFadden.Â
The Raiders haven't provided an update on Thornton's status, but he can't afford to miss time as Benson's buzz grows at camp. Â
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.Â
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