As Las Vegas Raiders fans just re-learned during roster cutdowns, a lot of talented players become available after the preseason. The best from that group end up finding a home on a practice squad somewhere in the NFL, but it's not like they are untouchable with this distinction.
It is my understanding that teams are no longer able to "protect" players on their practice squad from being signed to other 53-man rosters, so that opens up a pool of roughly 500 more players for the Raiders to evaluate.
John Spytek and Co. are surely scouring every avenue that they can to continue improving this team, so here are six players who may represent upgrades over what Las Vegas currently has who are hiding on other NFL practice squads. The Raiders could justify signing any single one of them.
6 NFL practice squad players who Raiders may view as upgrades
Trebor Pena, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Pena was unstoppable this preseason for the Jaguars, but he has the misfortune of being buried in a talented wide receiver room in Jacksonville. He caught 10 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown across three exhibition games, and he is a solid run blocker. Pena is still improving on special teams, but with the Raiders' receiver issues, they could take a flyer on someone who looked great in August.
Cedric Tillman, WR, New Orleans Saints
Tillman has been discussed as an option for Las Vegas ad nauseam, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't still be considered. Now on the Saints' practice squad, Tillman would be a lot cheaper than if he were claimed on waivers. The Raiders should be getting aggressive at wideout, and adding a player with some proven production to a room that doesn't have all that much should be a no-brainer.
Red Murdock, LB, Denver Broncos
Murdock had a good preseason across the AFC West, racking up tackles and run stops while proving that he's gotten better in coverage. It makes no sense that the Broncos didn't keep him on the active roster, given their shortcomings at inside linebacker, but the Silver and Black could easily justify him as an upgrade over Segun Olubi. Plus, taking from a division rival is always fun, and it's a double win.
Nick Leverett, IOL, Dallas Cowboys
If Las Vegas is seriously considering keeping a ninth offensive lineman on the 53-man roster to start the season, they may as well nab Leverett over Atonio Mafi. Leverett faced an impossible challenge this preseason of cracking the Cowboys' interior offensive line group, but he was dominant for Dallas and plays multiple spots on the interior. This would be a major upgrade over Mafi.
Maximus Pulley, SAF, Philadelphia Eagles
Las Vegas' front office has ties to Philadelphia, and they spent time with Pulley during the pre-draft process. The small school product didn't get selected, but quickly proved folks wrong with an outright impressive preseason. Pulley is a great tackler on the back end, great in coverage as the last line of defense, versatile, and a help in the run game. He's probably better than Tristin McCollum right now.
Cole Wisniewski, SAF, Philadelphia Eagles
Wisniewski, like Pulley, is stuck behind an impressive collection of Eagles defensive backs. But their trash could be Spytek and Co.'s treasure. Wisniewski held together a rabid Texas Tech defense last fall, and he looked good in limited action this preseason. He is big, physical and has a great skill set that translates to multiple spots. He, like Pulley, was also very good on special teams this August.
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