Predicting Oakland Raiders' First Wave of Roster Cuts
It seems like just yesterday, Raider Nation clamored for the start of Oakland Raiders' training camp; now, it’s finally here.
Thus far, the Raiders have three complete practices in the books. Sunday was the first practice with pads.
Nonetheless, there were some interesting developments within the first three days of camp. We’ll discuss five players who could receive an early dismissal with the first wave of roster cuts.
Some of the potential cuts are fringe players, but there are a couple of early shockers who continue to lose ground based on their inactivity or lack thereof.
Running Back Trent Richardson
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For some of you, this comes off as a shocker. For those following the media buzz, it’s not much of a surprise to see running back Trent Richardson on this list.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport via Twitter, Richardson has a 50 percent chance of making the roster. This was the percentage given to Rapoport when asking about Richardson’s outlook with the team.
Unfortunately, this news comes right after San Francisco Chronicle writer Vic Tafur reported “whispers” that the veteran running back’s quest for rejuvenation “is not going so well.”
On top of all this negative buzz, Richardson started training camp on the NFI list, per CSNBayarea.com reporter Scott Bair via Twitter. The former No. 3 overall pick is losing precious time away from the practice field.
There’s still plenty of time to make up ground, but he’s climbing an uphill battle to make the roster. As Rapoport highlighted in his tweet, there’s rock-solid competition at running back with Latavius Murray leading the pack.
Wide Receiver Trindon Holliday
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According to SilverandBlackPride.com writer Levi Damien, wide receiver Trindon Holliday was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, prior to the beginning of camp.
Meanwhile, wide receivers Austin Willis, Josh Harper and running back Taiwan Jones fielded kicks in his absence, per Steve Corkran of Raidersbeat.com via Twitter.
Holliday was a late pickup after Andre Debose suffered an Achilles injury. Taiwan Jones played an essential part on the Raiders special teams in 2013. Both Harper and Willis continue to widen the gap as core special teamers over an injured Holliday. As Holliday remains on the sidelines, his chances of getting cut increase rapidly.
Running Back George Atkinson
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The bloodlines for running back George Atkinson III are strong, just as strong as the competition at running back. Michael Dyer may single-handedly push Richardson and Atkinson off the depth chart with his offseason performances.
Head coach Jack Del Rio is pleased with Dyer after three practices, per Bair via Twitter. The undrafted running back continues to make the most of out his opportunities, leaving no room for an extra running back on the depth chart.
The Raiders could hold five running backs on the roster if Richardson returns to the practice field with a purpose, and Dyer continues to impress. Murray, Roy Helu Jr. and Taiwan Jones would serve as the other three running backs.
The running back position has some question marks but plenty of depth and maybe not enough room for Atkinson.
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Wide Receiver Seth Roberts
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The Raiders wide receiver position remains strong leaving very little room for surplus talent. Seth Roberts hasn’t flashed through minicamp, organized team activities or training camp thus far.
This isn't entirely his fault. He’s competing with the likes of Harper, Willis, Brice Butler and Kenbrell Thompkins.
Harper and Willis are spending valuable time with the special teams. Thompkins continues to play hard during practice. He hauled in the catch of the day during the second practice, per Bair. Butler returned to the field on Sunday, per Chase Ruttig of JustBlogBaby.com.
Oakland will likely keep six or seven wide receivers active. There's a very small chance of Roberts outperforming either of the veterans or the undrafted free agents getting extended reps with the special teams.
Defensive End Gary Wilkins
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The Raiders decided to split outside linebacker Khalil Mack’s reps during the first few training camp practices, per Bair:
“Khalil Mack played both defensive end and outside linebacker in Friday’s practice, and was on the line quite often in the base defense.”
As a satellite defender, Mack will line up in different spots during the season to add ferocity to the pass rush.
In this particular sequence provided by Tafur via Twitter, second-round pick Mario Edwards Jr. sat out in favor of Mack. This pushes Edwards to work with the second-team intermittently. Every backup defensive end gets pushed back a level, which likely pushes Gary Wilkins out of the picture.
Oakland has seven defensive ends on the roster. The domino effect of utilizing Mack as a defensive end in a significant number of snaps makes Wilkins expendable.
Follow Maurice Moton on Twitter for Raiders' training camp observations and news.
All statistics are provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com
Raiders' roster courtesy of Raiders.com.
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