In the midst of a serious rebuilding campaign, this offseason the Oakland Raiders added the most talent since Reggie McKenzie took over. Many of them have the capabilities to contribute either immediately or in the next few years.
Between the free agents brought in and this year’s rookie class, this roster could look very different from last season. Heres the rookies that are likely to make the team.
Derek Carr, QB
Obviously as a second round pick, Carr is assured a roster spot. The Raiders did waive last years fourth round pick, Tyler Wilson, but obviously he must have been supremely untalented for a team to use Matt McGloin over him. Carr is the eventual franchise QB in Oakland, but will most likely spend a year, possibly two, backing up Matt Schaub to learn the pro game.
George Atkinson III, RB/KR
Despite the fact that their backfield is loaded, Atkinson has a strong chance to make the roster with his special teams ability. He was a great kick returner in college, and the Raiders lack a true return threat elsewhere on the roster. Given the four headed beast of Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew, Latavius Murray, and Marcel Reece in front of him, the Raiders will likely never be forced into giving Atkinson meaningful carries.
Gabe Jackson, OG
Jackson has a clear path to a starting job, with only Khalif Barnes and Kevin Boothe as his serious contenders. As a third round pick with great tools in pass protection, he is a lock for a roster spot. And with any luck, he will be lined up at left guard on opening day.
Justin Ellis, DT
A massive body in the middle, Ellis has a pretty easy shot at a roster spot due to being a fourth round pick, and due to the lack of depth at defensive tackle. Pat Sims and Antonio Smith likely the starters, with Stacy McGee as the versatile backup. Ellis is the largest however, weighing in at 334 lbs. He should be used as a run stopper in his rookie season as he develops more.
Khalil Mack, LB
There is no way Khalil Mack isn’t on the roster on opening day and isn’t a starter. The fifth overall pick of this draft, Mack brings talent that the Raiders havent seen in years. He has slid in seamlessly at strongside linebacker and as a pass rusher on passing downs. The second best defensive player in this year’s draft will become the face of the defense for years to come.
T.J. Carrie, CB
Although he is a seventh round pick and did not play against the strongest of oppenents, Carrie has a good chance to make the roster. He was a premier punt returner in college and has outstanding ball skills. He will likely not push for defensive snaps, but special teams value is a good return on late round picks. It will likely end up as a battle between him and Chimdi Chekwa for the final cornerback spot. unless the Raiders keep six.
Keith McGill, CB
As a fourth round cornerback with Brandon Browner type size, McGill could easily push for defensive snaps sometime this season. The Raiders are likely to groom him to start opposite DJ Hayden next year. As long as McGill can remain healthy after an injury-riddled college career, he should be on the 53 man roster come September.
Jonathan Dowling, S
Usually late seventh rounders are never guaranteed spots, but with a 37-year-old and a journeyman opposite Tyvon Branch, Dowling should have no trouble locking up a spot. The Raiders are only likely to keep four safeties, and Branch, Charles Woodson, and Usama Young are guaranteed locks. This means Dowling and Brandian Ross will compete for the final spot, and given Ross’ awful showing last season, he is likely on the losing side.
Mike Davis, the undrafted receiver from Texas could make the roster, but there are a lot of bodies behind Andre Holmes, Denarius Moore, Rod Streater, and James Jones. Greg Jenkins likely has one of them locked up due to special teams prowness, which leaves Davis to compete with Brice Butler, Juron Criner, and Greg Little for the final spot.
In the end, all the draft picks except for Shelby Harris are likely to make the roster. Harris is a seventh round pick with too many veterans in front of him. In addition, George Atkinson III is the only likely undrafted pick to make it.
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