Las Vegas Raiders fans know too much about John Spytek to take the team's initial 53-man roster as anything more than a rough draft. The young general manager will continue to mess around with the final few spots, and deeper analysis of the groups shows us where those additions might occur.
And with the No. 1 spot on the waiver wire at their disposal, the Raiders would be fools not to take advantage of that and add talent to a roster that sorely needs it. Of course, that would mean one or several players currently in the building would be shown the door in a corresponding move.
So, who might those players be?
Nobody who made the team is necessarily "expendable," per se, but some have clearly earned their spot, while others backed on to the roster and may be placeholders until a more talented player or better fit comes along. Here are five that immediately come to mind.
5 players on Las Vegas Raiders' first 53-man roster who may not last
1. Atonio Mafi, G
Mafi making the roster definitely wasn't on anyone's bingo card, but I don't think it'll last long. With the versatility in the offensive line room, a ninth player may not be needed, so if a waiver claim comes in on Monday or in the coming days, Mafi may be the very first to go, no matter who Las Vegas adds.
2. Ian Thomas, TE
Thomas is lucky that the Raiders' tight end depth didn't show up this preseason; otherwise, he may have been out of a job. He still might be if Spytek or Klint Kubiak are particularly excited about a tight end in free agency or on the waiver wire. Thomas didn't play well enough to be on stable ground.
3. J.J. Pegues, DT
Pegues, by all accounts, earned his spot on this roster. But Foley Fatukasi's emergence effectively makes Pegues the sixth defensive tackle in the room, and a lot of fans think that an addition at this position is necessary. The 2025 6th-round pick could be collateral damage of a new body coming in.
4. Decamerion Richardson, CB
Richardson beat out Greedy Vance Jr. for the final spot in the room, but keeping six corners is a bit heavy. With so much young talent, Richardson could be on the chopping block if Las Vegas needs to clear up a spot, and he may have a market for himself elsewhere. This could be mutually beneficial.
5. Dont'e Thornton Jr. OR Dareke Young, WR
Even though he has disappointed so far and injuries have plagued him throughout his young career, Spytek clearly doesn't want to give up on Thornton Jr. yet. Because he's been out for most of the summer, a short-term IR stint could still be in play for him, which would free up a roster spot.
Young got the final job in the room almost by default, as he didn't make any splashes this preseason, but the coaching staff that brought him over from the Seattle Seahawks trusts him. If an upgrade is available, though, I don't think the Raiders' staff is bound to him and his cheap contract.
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