The Raiders first minicamp, for rookies only, starts tomorrow. This got me wondering how many positions look likely taken by veterans and how many would be based upon competition in training camp.
The lists below were generated based on salary, previous production, my own opinions of play and, sometimes, just a gut feeling. They are in no way scientific.
I only included 3rd and 4th round draft picks in the extremely likely because it’s no lock that all of the 6 draft picks will make the roster, but it is extremely likely that the 3rd and 4th round selections will.
Also, it’s almost certainly a given that some of the players on this list will get injured in camp which will open up some positions, potentially. There are always surprise cuts each year, as well.
Take a look and let me know what you think – either in the comments or on Twitter
Here is a look at the team’s current roster for reference:
Will be on the roster:
OL:
Barksdale, Joseph
Bergstrom, Tony
Brisiel, Mike
Veldheer, Jared
Wisniewski, Stefen
QB:
Palmer, Carson
Pryor, Terrelle
RB/FB:
McFadden, Darren
Jones, Taiwan
Reece, Marcel
WR:
Criner, Juron
Ford, Jacoby
Heyward-Bey, Darrius
Moore, Denarius
TE:
Ausberry, David
Myers, Brandon
DL:
Bryant, Desmond
Houston, Lamarr
Kelly, Tommy
Seymour, Richard
Shaughnessy, Matt
Tollefson, Dave
LB:
Burris, Miles
Curry, Aaron
McClain, Rolando
Wheeler, Philip
DB:
Bartell, Ron
Branch, Tyvon
Chekwa, Chimdi
Huff, Michael
Spencer, Shawtae
VanDyke, DeMarcus
ST:
Condo, Jon
Janikowski, Sebastian
Lechler, Shane
That is 35 players which leaves 18 spots for competition.
In addition, I see another 8 players as highly likely based on the fact that the new administration either signed them, re-signed them, drafted them or traded for them. Plus there’s Travis Goethel who has looked good in every camp but can’t stay healthy. LB is a weak position so I think he’s highly likely, still.
Highly Likely:
Carlisle, Cooper
Leinart, Matt
Goodson, Mike
Bilukidi, Christo
Crawford, Jack
Stupar, Nathan
Geothel, Travis
Giordano, Matt
That is another 8 players, which leaves 10 spots remaining for others.
If I had to guess where the remaining spots would be, give or take 1 player from a spot or two, it would be:
OL: 3
QB: 0, set
RB/FB: 0, set
WR: 1
TE: 1
DL: 1
LB: 2
DB: 1 CB, 1 S
Note that this doesn’t include the practice squad which is where many of the UFDA’s will be shooting to prove their worth.
Follow me on Twitter @AsherMathews for more Raiders news and analysis throughout the day
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
