Oakland Raiders and the Quest For 53: Tight Ends

(Photo by NFL Photos)

For a team, the tight end has two primary purposes. The first is an extra blocker to keep the quarterback safe and alive. His second purpose is to keep drives alive as an extra man in the field, open downfield for a quick first down.

The Raiders have been blessed in this degree with players such as Dave Casper and Todd Christensen. Today's team has four players looking for a spot or two on the final roster.

The first player to mention is Zach Miller. Miller has been great in the last two years, helping move the chains often, having 100 catches and over 1,000 yards. So far in the preseason he has eight catches and 74 yards. Miller is a lock to make the team, and should be a good asset for the team for years to come.

The second player on the roster is Tony Stewart. This experienced player has served both as an emergency starter and a player on special teams and so far in the preseason has two catches and a touchdown. Stewart is a viable option, but it also would depend on how his competition progresses behind him if he makes the club.

The third player of mention is Darrell Strong, a second-year player for the Raiders. They thought highly of him in training camp last year and moved him up to the practice squad and then to the active roster for two games last year. He has had one catch in limited action.

In this case, the Raiders may have to test each one out Thursday. Otherwise Strong may be back on the practice squad again.

The last player is Brandon Myers, out of Iowa. This person has been a fun sight with seven catches, 111 yards, and a touchdown in three games. People would enjoy seeing him and Miller pair up for two TE sets and slowly march down the field. If any of the three has an inside track, Myers should have it.

If Oakland can afford to use two TEs, Myers and Miller could be a match made in heaven. Stewart, as said before, may be relegated to special teams again. Strong, unless he can prove something to Tom Cable, may be gone after the last round of cuts is announced.

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