Oakland Raiders: 8 lessons from first 53-man roster and depth chart

Lessons from the Oakland Raiders’ final roster cuts, first depth chart, and practice squad which were released this week.

The Oakland Raiders released their first official depth chart as they prepare to play the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 11.

Before the release of the depth chart, Oakland cut their roster from 75-men to 53-men earlier this week.

Names cut include:

The most notable name on the list is Neiko Thorpe. The corner had signed a second-round tender this free agency, but agreed to a pay-cut to stay with the team.

Added, Greg Townsend Jr. and George Atkinson III are Raiders’ legacies who did not make the cut. Read along to see which of these cuts made the practice squad.

Otherwise, here is what we know about the Raiders after the roster cuts and updated depth chart.

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) warm-up before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland maintaining the status quo

There were not too many upsets on the Raiders depth chart.

The specialists did not change at all. Taiwan Jones will continue returning kicks. T.J. Carrie will field punts. You already know the rest of the Raiders specialists. Punter Marquette King, long snapper Jon Condo, and kicker Sebastian Janikowski are some of the best to ever do it.

Also, the quarterbacks position stayed the same. Despite inconsistent play from Matt McGloin in preseason, he keeps his position second-string. Him beating out rookie Connor Cook is a bit of a surprise because Cook played well in preseason and Oakland traded up to get him. However, McGloin brings better experience.

On defense, the linebackers stayed the same. James Cowser should consistently battle Ben Henney for snaps. Otherwise, this group did not change much.

May 31, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running backs DeAndre Washington (33) and Latavius Murray (28) at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders loaded in the backfield

It seems like not too long ago, the Raiders had a big weakness at running back. Now, they are carrying four on the active roster.

Unfortunately, George Atkinson III is not on that list. He was part of the Raiders final cuts before the 53-man roster. Atkinson had that good first performance against the Cardinals and a kick return for a touchdown in the preseason finale. However, other backs outperformed throughout practice.

One of those running back spots may go to Marcel Reece, when he returns from a three-game suspension. For now, Jamize Olawale will get the start at fullback. He can also carry the ball so that might mean DeAndre Washington, Jalen Richard, and Taiwan Jones will all compete a job.

Jones brings explosive speed while Richard and Washington bring all-around back skills despite their small stature. Jones is listed as the surprising No. 2 running back mostly for his contributions on special teams.

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) catches a 25-yard reception in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Clive Walford is still not ready

Veteran blocking tight end Lee Smith is again listed as the starter. That is not a testament to his play, but more an indicator about the younger players behind him.

Clive Walford had an injury in the offseason, which slowed down his chance to break out in the preseason. The second-year player remains the favorite to finish the year as the starter. He needs to make it happen already, and he needs to stay off of any ATVs which could injure him.

Outside of that, Mychal Rivera held onto a roster spot. Lots of trade rumors put his position in the air. It seems like the Raiders were not comfortable enough with the other two tight ends on the roster, so they keep Rivera as the third tight end option. Rivera needs to improve his blocking if he wants to surpass the two players in front of him.

In the end, the Raiders have talent at the position. However, they need one of the guys to step up and cement himself as the starting tight end

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders tackle Menelik Watson (71) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Menelik Watson is ready

Last preseason, Watson suffered an achilles’ injury after finally looking like a starting right tackle.

Austin Howard took his spot and played decent. Now, Watson earned his spot. The coaching staff had Watson rolling with the first-team throughout the preseason, despite maintaining the position was still open.

Now, Watson is the starter headed into week one. Howard should still battle for time, but he should be used as a swing guard and tackle for depth.

Other than that, the offensive line was already set in stone.

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders safety Nate Allen (20) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Allen and Dan Williams return to the starting lineup

At one point, some questioned if Williams or Allen would make the roster. Now, the 2015 key free agency signings resume their role as incumbent starters.

Williams had to beat out second-round pick Jihad Ward on the inside. Ward will bounce around the entire defensive line, but Williams will start in base defense. Ward can better utilize his length and speed as the starter on the edge, anyways.

As for Allen, he had to reclaim the starting strong safety position from No. 14 pick Karl Joseph.

“I didn’t expect anything given to me,” Joseph told Bay Area News Group. “I’ve just got to keep learning, keep getting better and keep growing as a player and everything else will fall in its place. I have a lot of confidence in myself and I have no doubt in myself that I’ll get my spot back.”

Ultimately, it will be interesting to see which safety plays the most on Sunday.

Either way, Oakland will not need to rush Joseph back after tearing an ACL at West Virginia less than a year ago thanks to Allen playing well.

The SIlver and Black will need both veterans to consistently perform, if they can take the next step.

Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) rushes against Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) during the first half at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

D.J. Hayden finds a role

Hayden is not listed as the starter on the depth chart, but he will find his work in the slot.

It appears Hayden has finally found a role on the Raiders defense, after being drafted in the first-round four-years-ago. He had to fight for the spot with last year’s other day one starter T.J. Carrie.

“Inside, you’ve got to kind of come at it at a different approach because [receivers have] got so much field to work with,” Hayden said at the time. “They put me out there and I just started getting after it. I like it. I like it a lot.”

Defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson is also intrigued with Hayden’s growth over this offseason. He attributes it to Hayden’s love for football, as well as him finally getting healthy.

“Now he’s been on the field for almost two years now, so now I think he’s really starting to consistently see the ballgame exactly the same and starting to understand how offenses attack defenses. Understand what his responsibilities are, what his job is inside the defense.” Roberston said via ESPN.com.

In the end, this is a prove it year for Hayden who is in the final year of his deal. Let’s see if he can finally blossom into a solid NFL player.

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Johnny Holton (16) returns a kickoff during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Four undrafted rookies make the roster

Receiver Johnny Holton, corner Antonio Hamilton, defensive tackle Darius Latham and Richard all made the final roster as undrafted free agents.

Holton looked good throughout the preseason, including the final two performances. He beat out K.J. Brent for the fifth roster spot.

Latham was ranked one of the best rookies through two preseason games. He finished the preseason finale with five tackles and a pass defensed.

Added, Hamilton and Richard came on late in the preseason.

These four guys are the latest undrafted free agents to leave an impression in Oakland.

Over the past few seasons, guys like Denico Autry and Seth Roberts made impressions despite not getting drafted. Expect the same thing from these four guys.

A playoff team like the Raiders needs quality depth at the end of the depth chart. They push starters in practice, and they can develop into something more with time.

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker James Cowser (47) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back Stepfan Taylor (30) during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

PUP/Injured Reserve/ Practice Squad.

The Silver and Black also completed their ten-men practice squad. Eight of the names came from the Raiders training camp roster, while two came from other teams

Mickens, O’Malley, and Brent were both close to making the roster. Omiole is the cousin of starter Kelechi Osemele. Therefore, he could develop into something more.

Also, the Raiders placed James Cowser and Neiron Ball on the Reserve/Injured list. Ball played well in camp last season and Cowser showed promise in preseason this season. Therefore, Toomer and Grant could see their spots taken once Ball and Cowser return from injury.

All in all, most of these guys are depth options. They could play in the regular season, but they will need to compete all year.

September 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back George Atkinson (34) catches the football against Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Steve Longa (59) during the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Bonus: Players who moved on

Not every player can make the roster or practice squad.

Back to Thorpe and Atkinson III. Both players got claimed off of waivers earlier this week.

Thorpe joins the Indianapolis Colts, after three seasons and 28 appearances with the Silver and Black.

Atkinson III got claimed by the Cleveland Browns. He should bring them value as a returner and back runner.

Further, Oakland dealt safety Dewey McDonald to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2017 conditional pick.

After hearing these names in training camp and seeing them in preseason, you always hope they land somewhere once they are cut. It is good to see Thorpe, Atkinson and McDonald find new situations.

Nonetheless, the Oakland Raiders begin their season at 10 A.M. PST in New Orleans, on Sunday.