53-man roster prediction ahead of training camp for the Las Vegas Raiders
Training camp is just a few weeks away and soon enough, the Raiders will be asked to cut their roster down from 90 to 53 players. While most of the positions are set, there are a handful of jobs still up for grabs. So here is our first crack at a 53-man roster prediction for the 2022 Las Vegas Raiders.
Quarterback (3)
(AP Photo/John Locher)
Derek Carr, Jarrett Stidham, Nick Mullens
The Raiders could add another quarterback to compete with Nick Mullens, but don’t be surprised if they just keep Carr and Stidham either. This is one position that could add another body before training camp.
Running Back/Fullback (5)
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Jacobs, Kenyan Drake, Brandon Bolden, Zamir White, Jakob Johnson
Jacobs will be the starter, but Drake and White should play a lot of snaps, as well. Johnson will be the team’s fullback, but he could get some looks as a backup tight end too.
Wide Receiver (6)
(AP Photo/John Locher)
Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, Mack Hollins, Demarcus Robinson, Keelan Cole, Jordan Veasy
The Raiders will keep five or six receivers, but only the top four are set in stone. Don’t be surprised if the Raiders search for more speed in free agency or via a trade in the next few months.
Tight End (3)
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Darren Waller, Foster Moreau, Jacob Hollister
This is another position where the Raiders could keep an extra body as Josh McDaniels loves to use tight ends. But Waller, Moreau and Hollister are all locks to make the roster.
Offensive Line (9)
(AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
LT Kolton Miller, LG John Simpson, C Andre James, RG Denzelle Good, RT Alex Leatherwood, Brandon Parker, Lester Cotton Sr., Dylan Parham, Jermaine Eluemunor
The Raiders could decide to keep another offensive lineman here as Thayer Munford (rookie) could be a candidate. But look for Cotton to make the 53-man roster after a strong offseason.
Defensive End (5)
(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
Maxx Crosby, Chandler Jones, Clelin Ferrell, Kyler Fackrell, Malcolm Koonce
Crosby and Jones are the starters, but Ferrell and Fackrell should play a lot too. The wild card here is Koonce, who played well in limited opportunities last season.
Defensive Tackle (5)
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Bilal Nichols, Johnathan Hankins, Neil Farrell Jr., Matthew Butler, Kyle Peko
This might be the toughest to project as Andrew Billings, Tyler Lancaster, Kendal Vickers and Vernon Butler could all make the roster. But expect the Raiders to only keep five interior defensive linemen this season.
Linebacker (5)
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Denzel Perryman, Jayon Brown, Divine Deablo, Kenny Young, Micah Kiser
Perryman, Brown and Deablo will play a majority of the defensive snaps at linebacker for the Raiders. Young and Kiser will play a lot of special teams snaps and that’s why both wind up on the 53-man roster.
Cornerback (5)
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Trayvon Mullen, Rock Ya-Sin, Nate Hobbs, Anthony Averett, Amik Robertson
The Raiders could go long here, keeping players like Darius Phillips or Cre’Von LeBlanc. But with them keeping five linebackers in this projection, they stay with five cornerbacks entering the year.
Safety (4)
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Trevon Moehrig, Johnathan Abram, Duron Harmon, Tyree Gillespie
Don’t count out Dallin Leavitt making the roster as he is an established special teams player. But their top four safeties feel like a lock with Gillespie potentially playing more snaps over Abram this season.
Specialist (3)
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
K Daniel Carlson, P AJ Cole, LS Trent Sieg
No debate here. This is arguably the best collection of specialists in the NFL.
