Oakland Raiders Practice Squad: Who Has a Sideline Job, With Good Benefits?

For any of us, job security is a good thing. Having a job means you don't have to hunt anymore, a steady paycheck and if you're working long enough, benefits.

For a few players recently cut from the Raiders, this is the last chance they have to hang onto the dream of playing the NFL, either with the Raiders, or if another club is interested enough to add him to the full roster.

In recent years, injuries have shown the practice squad to be a good elevator to the pro level, so of our recent cuts, who stands the chance at some job security? Next slide, please...

Manase Tonga: Fullback

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Running back Manase Tonga of Brigham Young runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Imag

As an undrafted Free Agent, Manase probably punched his ticket to the practice squad with a touchdown on the first drive in Thursday's game. A fullback and multipurpose player, Manase's probably also been getting looks elsewhere in the league. Hopefully Oakland can capture him for later purposes...and to spell Marcel Reese, our regular Fullback.

Stevie Brown: Safety

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ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Stevie Brown #3 of the Michigan Wolverines sets for a play against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Michigan Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won 45-17. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty I

This is one guy who has a future in the NFL....maybe with Oakland, maybe another club. Stevie had two interceptions in his first two preseason games and in Seattle's game was buzzing around the defense, waiting to make another.

The downside? Oakland has some standing depth at Safety, with the likes of Michael Huff, Mike MItchell, Tyvon Branch and Hiram Eugene, he would have had to perform solidly...and again, should injury occur, Stevie could be with the Raiders by November, in the heat of a division race.

Here's to hoping he doesn't get picked up by anyone else.

Shaun Bodiford: WR

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 02: Shaun Bodiford #10 of the Oakland Raiders runs after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL preseason game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 2, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Ge

Shaun Bodiford didn't get a lot of time on the field with the Raiders, but did show a couple good catches with the Thursday game. with two catches, he pulled in a 17 yard completion, the other was good for 10, and Oakland isn't exactly stacked at WR right now....Oakland might park him for a couple weeks and then bring him back if Chaz is going to be a long-term bystander for this year.

Nice thing about being on the practice squad with a popular position...you probably won't be bored...and that next phone call could be for you.

Jerome Boyd

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OAKLAND, CA - 2009: Jerome Boyd of the Oakland Raiders poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Oakland, California. (Photo by NFL Photos)

Jerome Boyd was a classic cleanup artist and was also the key in a victory over the Cowboys in the first game this year. Getting a good interception, he took it back for a touchdown and finished the preseason with 12 tackles, one less than Rolando McClain.

Given the problems Chris Johnson had Thursday, Boyd could be a good career waiting to happen, as Oakland's CB situations work their way out in the next few seasons...I'd take a flier just for the odds the Raiders find a gem here.

Greyson Gunheim: DE

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OAKLAND, CA - 2009: Greyson Gunheim of the Oakland Raiders poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Oakland, California. (Photo by NFL Photos)

Greyson Gunheim, a part time player for the last couple seasons, might start the year on the practice squad, but may wind up as a late season callup, as habit has occured before. Greyson's best reaction was being involved in a key game in 2008, when the Raiders beat the Tampa Bay club, having a key sack in only his third game.

Oakland could take a flier on him, just in case injuries resurface...or he could fill in as a spot player elsewhere. 

Alex Daniels: Defensive Line

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01: Alex Daniels #4 of the Cincinnati Bearcats tackels quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisana Superdome on January 1, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Ge

With any defense, there's always a chance at someone getting hurt. With Oakland's defense getting overhauled, having an extra set of hands in the practice squad wouldn't hurt, as an injury to anyone on the front line could be trouble.

Alex Daniels, given time for his injury to heal could see a chance to come back to the regular squad later in the season, or even entertain another position should the need arise.

From the picture above, maybe we could activate him against Denver...and let him reintroduce himself to Tim Tebow.

Last Player: Wild Card

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Tom Cable of the Oakland Raiders looks on against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL preseason game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 2, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Imag

This last spot is here for two reasons. For one, someone could be dropped from the roster as Tom Cable watches other clubs drop players. What if Oakland takes a shot at T.J., now gone from Seattle? If Tom Cable, Hue Jackson or Al Davis decides that a particular player is quality, someone presently on the team would be bumped down and likely dropped onto here. Candidates might range from Yamon Figures, Rock Cartwright or even Walter McFadden...or there might be a rookie that another team is going to risk exposing to the other teams.

As it is, Tom Cable has done a good job in putting together a team...and now he hopes to assemble a good supporting cast.