Oakland Raiders: Final 53-Man Depth Chart Projections

It’s time to slim down the roster to 53 players. After hours of deliberating, who makes the Oakland Raiders’ final roster for the 2016 season?

The Oakland Raiders wrapped up their preseason with ample playing time for the second- and third-stringers. With NFL teams pressed to shrink rosters down to 53 players, it’s crunch time in talent assessments.

Like every other preseason game, there’s ups and downs within units and for specific players. Running back George Atkinson III’s performance should cause an intense debate among the coaches. In the third quarter, he dropped a sure touchdown pass and fumbled at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Nonetheless, the speed back scored the Raiders’ first touchdown and returned an 80-yard kickoff in consecutive possessions.

Overall, Atkinson put together an impressive preseason. Will the coaching staff hold the fumble against him? Keep in mind, Taiwan Jones’ ball-security issues likely cost him snaps at running back last year.

Other than Atkinson, head coach Jack Del Rio and the coaching staff will contemplate tough decisions over the next few hours. What should we expect with the Raiders’ final 53-man depth chart? Who stays and who goes? We’ll try to project just that and also include 10 practice squad players.

Sep 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws the before the game Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

Don’t expect any huge surprises here. The coaching staff will maintain the status quo with Derek Carr leading the group, followed by Matt McGloin and Connor Cook.

Despite throwing zero touchdowns in the preseason finale, Cook’s extended playing time helped more than hurt him. He exhibited the ability to escape in the pocket. He dodged defenders on multiple occasions and kept his eyes downfield. Wideout Jaydon Mickens caught a 17-yard pass near the left sideline on one particular scramble-and-escape scenario.

After the first preseason game, McGloin went totally flat. Based on his experience within the system, he holds onto the primary backup spot, but he becomes trade bait through the season on an expiring contract.

Carr’s play will either lead the Raiders to a playoff berth or hinder the growth at wide receiver. Fortunately, he looked sharp in the third preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. The third-year signal-caller should eclipse last year’s touchdown pass total with at least 33 scores through the air.

September 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks free safety Tyvis Powell (40) during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

Throughout the preseason, the Raiders running backs ran the show. George Atkinson ranks in the top-five among all running backs in yards gained (191) on the ground.

Fifth-round pick DeAndre Washington impressed through all four games in the three key areas: rushing, receiving and special teams. He’s an all-purpose player, who can contribute in multiple ways. Expect his workload to increase as the season progresses through the later months.

Despite only appearing in two games, the coaching staff absolutely loved what they saw in Jalen Richard during practices and in his preseason debut against the Titans. Other teams have likely taken note as well.

In order to avoid losing the Southern Mississippi product to another club, the Raiders should place him on the active roster and keep him primarily on special teams.

Latavius Murray looked the least impressive among the running backs, but the coaching staff limited his snaps to find a complementary asset in the backfield. He’ll start the season as the lead ball-carrier, but end in a 50-50 share with Washington.

Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) rushes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers

Now, brace yourselves for the changes at wide receiver. Carr will throw to two former first-round picks and three once-undrafted free agents at this position. Andre Holmes caught a touchdown pass in the first preseason game, but he also lost a fumble in the same contest. Similar to the previous year, he came up flat during exhibition action. Veteran or not, two undrafted players put much more on display with their opportunities.

With consecutive strong outings, K.J. Brent leads the team with seven receptions for 113 yards through four preseason games. At 6-4, 190 pounds, he’ll need to add weight, but he’s shown consistency in his contributions.

Johnny Holton will slot in as a wide receiver on the depth chart, but he’ll contribute primarily on special teams as a kick returner. He ranks No. 14 in kick return yards through the preseason. Last year, the Raiders struggled to fill the position. This year they’re loaded with rookies who can break a few tackles and advance the ball downfield.

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End

At tight end, the Raiders maintain stability. Clive Walford didn’t flash as expected during exhibition games, but he’s still the most versatile player at the position. Carr and Walford must build some type of rapport to elevate the offense and exploit advantageous matchups downfield.

Lee Smith will continue to serve as a sixth offensive lineman on the roster. Over the years, he’s proved himself as an agitator and hard-nose inline blocker. Though overlooked, he adds edginess and grit to the trenches.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone to see Mychal Rivera traded before the season starts. The Raiders could execute an exchange with a team that needs a receiving tight end or a club dealing with injuries at the position. Either way, Marcel Reece could serve as a receiving tight end after his three-game suspension.

On a new three-year deal signed last year, the organization gave Jamize Olawale the green light to start at fullback.

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders tackle Menelik Watson (71) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

Menelik Watson’s body held up through four games, and he’s primed to start the season at right tackle. In the past, Del Rio made comments about the fourth-year pro’s athleticism as an asset on the right side.

The Raiders will attempt to stretch their runs laterally in Watson’s direction with speed. Due to Atkinson’s quickness, he would benefit most from designed run plays toward the edge.

According to Del Rio, via CSNBayArea.com reporter Scott Bair, Austin Howard rolled his ankle in the preseason finale:

He started the summer slow while recovering from a knee injury and fell behind Watson, who’s played well. Jon Feliciano made strides as an interior lineman. He’ll join Howard in the second unit. Together, they can play at four positions along the line minus left tackle.

Seventh-round pick Vadal Alexander stepped in for Howard, who tweaked his ankle on Thursday. The coaching staff still believes he can play both inside and outside. He’ll round out the reserves within this unit.

September 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Jihad Ward (95) celebrates a defensive stop against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

San Francisco Chronicle reporter Vic Tafur initially reported defensive end Mario Edwards could land on the physically unable to perform list, which automatically sidelines him for six weeks.

How did we go from a four-six week recovery to a potential nine-week timeframe for Edwards? Unless the hip strain seems more serious than expected, the Raiders can’t afford to sit the second-year pro for an additional three weeks if healthy.

After watching the run defense struggle over the past few weeks, the defensive line needs Edwards back as soon as possible. The Raiders play the Titans in Week 3 and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6—two run-first offenses. If Edwards recovers within the initial timeframe, the defense will certainly need him to add resistance to the front line. The Raiders should keep him on the active roster as a reserve.

Undrafted rookie Darius Latham lists as one of the most impressive defenders through the preseason. On Thursday, he made his way into the backfield and thwarted the run on multiple occasions. As Edwards recovers, Latham will serve as a key component in run defense.

Denico Autry and Jihad Ward flashed as havoc monsters against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday. Last year, the former started eight games; the front office selected the latter in the second round. The coaching staff will expect both players to hold down the fort as starters in Edwards’ absence.

Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) during a NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. The Titans defeated the Raiders 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers

Corey James and Korey Toomer impressed the most among the players at this position through four games. The rookie and the fifth-year veteran, who spent a few seasons on the practice squad, put on a tackling clinic. Both linebackers contributed on defense and special teams as reliable hard-hitting tacklers.

Toomer could potentially fill a role as a backup middle or inside linebacker in the upcoming season. James may need more reps before playing defense, but he’s an immediate boost to special team coverage.

Third-round pick Shilique Calhoun woke up in the fourth exhibition game. He clearly felt comfortable rushing off the end. Aldon Smith’s status remains uncertain even after his 10-week suspension. The Michigan State product compensates for the veteran pass-rusher’s absence.

Undrafted rookie James Cowser started strong, went through a mini lull and ended strong. He also suffered a concussion, which factors into the decision to leave him off the final roster:

Neiron Ball’s versatility at linebacker and Daren Bates’ special teams contributions bump Cowser off the roster.

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) reacts in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Backs

Safety Nate Allen put together a productive preseason performance. He logged an interception, made stops, and contributed to special teams. There’s a reason the coaching staff held him out of the final exhibition game. The Raiders will likely start Allen. First-round pick Karl Joseph will eventually take over around midseason. The No. 14 overall pick missed a few practices and played sparingly in the first two games. With limited reps and coming off an injury, he’ll ease his way into the starting position.

Cornerback D.J. Hayden didn’t embarrass himself through four games as the slot cornerback. T.J. Carrie didn’t accomplish enough to leapfrog the fourth-year pro on the depth chart.

After struggling in the previous season, Carrie takes a step back as the No. 4 cornerback, but he’ll likely alternate with Hayden in the slot. Hayden will have one more chance to carve out a role within the secondary on an expiring contract.

Keith McGill converted to safety and looks natural at the position. Neiko Thorpe took a pay cut a few weeks ago, per ESPN’s Field Yates. The decision likely saved his roster spot.

Sep 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (46) carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams

As previously mentioned, Holton and Richard earned their roster spots, but they’ll serve primary positions on special teams. Atkinson will also return kicks.

Through four games, Holton flashed as an impressive asset to the return game. He logged more yards in kick returns (118) than in the receiving category (84). Nonetheless, the coaching staff will design a few plays that allow the Cincinnati product to stretch the field.

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave will also place Richard in the backfield on occasion, but his elusiveness will pay immediate dividends on punt returns.

Punter Marquette King became a booming star against the Seahawks in a defensive slugfest on Thursday. He’s challenging Sebastian Janikowski for the iron-leg nametag with thunderous punts downfield inside the 20-yard-line.

Janikowski will extend his record for most games played as a Raider in his 17th year as the kicker in Oakland. There’s another year on his contract, per spotrac.com.

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker James Cowser (47) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back Stepfan Taylor (30) during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With a maximum 10 practice squad spots to fill, the Raiders will keep three notable players, who could draw interest from other teams. Last year, the Buffalo Bills swiped six-round pick Max Valles off the practice squad.

Defensive lineman Branden Jackson made his presence felt in the last two games. He didn’t come on strong enough to earn an active roster spot, but he can develop into a rotational interior pass-rusher.

Cowser started off as a favorite due to his eye-popping collegiate numbers at Southern Utah. According to NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein, he finished as the FCS record-holder in sacks (43) and tackles for a loss (80). However, due to a few missteps and lack of overall production on special teams coverage, he’ll develop on the practice squad for a year.

Cornerback Dexter McDonald saw ample snaps in a few games and looked impressive on the outside against the Cardinals in the preseason opener. At 6-1, 200 pounds, he possesses the size needed to excel in Ken Norton’s defense. With Hayden in a contract year and Carrie taking a step back, he’s a potential factor in 2017.

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