HENDERSON, Nev. — It’s been a busy week for the Las Vegas Raiders. They recently declined a trade request from receiver Jakobi Meyers over a contract disagreement. Meanwhile, they re-signed Amari Cooper for another year to bolster their receiver lineup. With backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell out due to a fractured wrist, they traded for Kenny Pickett as insurance for Geno Smith.
On Tuesday, the Raiders finalized their 53-man roster. They placed safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. on injured reserve as he recovers from fibula surgery, but he could return after four games.
Players released will go through waivers, allowing other teams to claim them until 9 a.m. PT Wednesday. After that, teams can start building their practice squads.
Key Takeaways on Raider’s Roster Changes
Defensive Concerns
While the offense is shaping up well, the defense raises alarms. The Raiders have strong depth at defensive end with Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, and Tyree Wilson. But they’re thin at tackle and linebacker. The starting spot opposite Adam Butler remains uncertain, and linebacker contributions depend heavily on bounce-back seasons from Devin White and Jamal Adams.
Darnay Holmes is the only nickelback, and his performance can be hit or miss. The absence of depth at safety, particularly with Johnson sidelined, adds more pressure. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham faces a significant challenge in making this unit competitive.
Dynamic Running Back Room
The Raiders kept four running backs with unique roles. Ashton Jeanty serves as the main ball carrier. Zamir White brings power, while Raheem Mostert steps in during third downs. Dylan Laube adds special teams value. Running back coach Deland McCullough emphasized the need for a mix of skills in the lineup, showing a strategic approach to avoid overworking Jeanty.
Sincere McCormick was cut, perhaps due to his past injuries and limited special teams impact.
Surprising Rookie Cuts
Interestingly, keeping O’Connell on the active roster while waiving Cam Miller raised eyebrows. There are indications that O’Connell may return sooner than expected. Additionally, linebacker Cody Lindenberg made the final cut over receiver Tommy Mellott, who has shown promise in training.
Risky Waiver Decisions
Waiving Laki Tasi could be a gamble for the Raiders. A former rugby player, Tasi is raw but possesses great size and athleticism. The team hopes that other teams won’t take a chance on him, which could let them bring him back later.
Priority on Nickelback
The weakest spot on the Raiders’ roster appears to be the nickelback position. Veteran Mike Hilton, recently released by the Dolphins, is someone the Raiders might pursue. While Jeremy Chinn could fulfill this role, it undermines his overall skill set. With the Raiders sixth in the waiver order, they have a solid chance to strengthen this position.
In summary, while the Raiders have made some smart moves, their defensive depth and specific role allocations come with risks. As the season approaches, these decisions will be crucial for their success.
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