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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Derek Carr did not take a snap in the preseason but backed up reports of a strong camp by dominating the Patriots defense in joint practices. “There are some things that we did really well today,” Carr said. The Patriots could not stop the Carr to Davante Adams connection. “It’s been good,” Carr said of playing with Adams. “It’s been fun. He and I will both tell you that there are things that I am used to doing and things he is used to doing, and we’re finding that place in between. But we’ve been able to hit some big plays here and there. We’ve missed on a few, but we’ve made the correction and that’s what this time is for.” All signs point to Carr having a career season with Adams now in town.
Running Backs
The Raiders running back depth chart became slightly clearer when Kenyan Drake was cut one year after signing a deal with way too much guaranteed money. Josh Jacobs is the lead back, though he will have to fend off rookie Zamir White. While Drake’s ouster seemed to open the door for Ameer Abdullah to be the primary third-down back, Tashan Reed and Vic Tafur of The Athletic offered a different perspective. “People handing running back Ameer Abdullah the third-down role after the release of Kenyan Drake might want to tap the brakes,” reported Reed and Tafur. Abdullah and Brandon Bolden split the passing work against the Patriots, with Jacobs getting a pass thrown his way as well. It is worth remembering how frustrating Patriots running back usage was under Josh McDaniel because this backfield could be used similarly. “It’s a deep group with a lot of talent,” Carr said of the backs. “You see guys that have the ability to make 12-yard plays and turn them into 30-yard plays or more. They have already started to make tough decisions in that room … and it’s been impressive to see, no matter who is in there, the production that they have had. … They all play with physicality, even the guys who might be called ‘smaller’ backs — they all play with toughness. When this guy comes in for that guy, you don’t even blink an eye.” We have plenty of signs pointing to this being a true four-man committee, which makes it tough to trust Jacobs for fantasy.
Wide Receivers
Adams was dominant in joint practices against the Patriots. He beat Patriots cornerback Jalen Mills three times, including on a fade route that went for a 30-yard touchdown. Adams caught balls all over the field and made a spectacular one-handed grab along the sidelines. Hunter Renfrow and Mack Hollins also had a field day against New England. While the Raiders' backups did not fare as well in joint practices, Tyron Johnson did star in the preseason matchup against the Patriots. He hauled in a 45-yard-deep ball that was badly underthrown. A better pass may have gone for a 75-yard touchdown. While Adams, Renfrow, Hollins, and Johnson look to have the top four spots locked down, there is intrigue as to the fifth spot. While it seemed that Keelan Cole was a heavy favorite for the job, he played late into the fourth quarter of the final preseason game. Meanwhile, D.J. Turner exited simultaneously as Johnson and some other top backups. John Brown was used similarly late last preseason before being a surprise cut. Cole may be on a similar trajectory.
Tight Ends
Darren Waller practiced on August 18 after missing several practices because of a hamstring injury, but he’s been out since then. There are some minor red flags with Waller of late. He simply has not been available much this summer after missing much of the stretch run last season. McDaniels said he’s “not concerned” about Waller’s status but wouldn’t commit to his being available in Week 1. “He’s doing everything he can to get out there as soon as he can be,” McDaniels said. “And I don’t want to make a prediction on whether he will or won’t be ready here in a few weeks. I see him every day. He’s in every meeting. He’s doing everything he can to get out there as fast as possible. … He’s working his butt off. He knows that he’s going to be a big part of this team and what we want to do.”
Defense
The Raiders defense fared well against the Patriots in joint practices. Linebacker Jayon Brown had an interception, and the team was able to generate plenty of pressure. In the joint practices, it was defensive ends Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones wreaking havoc. In the preseason game, it was backup defensive ends Tashan Bower and Malcolm Koonce living in the backfield. Bower had two sacks in the game and four total throughout the preseason. He should have locked down a roster spot with the showing. “I feel like I’ve done a good job, but I’m going to let the coaches decide that,” said Bower. “We have a lot of other good players too who can do great things, so whatever I can do to fit in in my role and have a piece on this defense or on this team, I’m ready to accept it.” Koonce also had a sack and has made steady improvement after a relatively quiet rookie season. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell finally returned to the field but was mostly invisible. The former fourth-overall pick is on the roster bubble heading into cutdown day and represents yet another massive draft bust for Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden.
Returners
Kenyan Drake seemed likely to return kickoffs for the Raiders in 2022, but he was a surprise early cut from the team, which leaves recent addition Ameer Abdullah as the front-runner. Hunter Renfrow remains one of the best punt returners in the league, but it’s a question of how much the team will want to risk him, given his importance on offense.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
When the Raiders traveled east to face the Dolphins in Miami, Derek Carr and roughly 30 other starters and key backups stayed in Las Vegas and got some rest. We are not going to see this starting offense until they take the field in Week 1. Camp reports on Carr’s play have been consistently positive. He threw his first interception of camp this week when a corner jumped a short route to a running back. It was a remarkable streak without a turnover, considering how many throws he has made in camp. Carr threw at least one interception in 13-of-18 games last season, so carrying over his improvement in this area will be a key factor in whether the Raiders can emerge from a loaded AFC West to make the playoffs. Jarrett Stidham started against the Dolphins and showed well despite playing with backups. He converted several key third and fourth downs on the opening possession touchdown drive against a Dolphins defense that included many first-stringers. Stidham’s strong play has locked up the backup job, with Nick Mullens likely relegated to the practice squad.
Running Backs
This week's biggest news was more about who did not play than the performance of those who did. Josh Jacobs was one of the many Raiders starters who did not fly out to Miami, which was not surprising. However, it was noteworthy that veteran backups Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden also stayed home. The fact Abdullah is not being asked to play in the preseason likely indicates he has already locked up a roster spot ahead of Kenyan Drake as the top receiving back. Tashan Reed of The Athletic speculates that Drake “probably won’t be cut” but that the Raiders are likely “at least checking the temperature on his trade market.” Reed believes that Abdullah and Bolden getting the night off is bad news for Drake. Rookie backup Zamir White got the start with Jacobs out and scored a two-yard touchdown on the opening drive. On the day, he ran five times for eight yards. The speculation about White taking the starting job from Jacobs has died down, but White looks locked in as the top backup.
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Mack Hollins are locks for the first three receiver spots. We will not see Adams or Renfrow in the preseason, but they have performed well in practices. Adams has connected on several deep balls from Carr. Renfrow has generated rave reviews even in sessions that were otherwise dominated by the defense. Levi Edwards of Raiders.com reports that Renfrow’s “slippery moves and array of routes helped him get open – and stay open – the majority of practice.” Behind the top three, the release of Demarcus Robinson virtually guarantees that Keelan Cole and Tyron Johnson will make the team. Cole is a savvy route runner and had three catches for 44 yards in the first half against the Dolphins. Johnson had four catches for 32 yards and has earned kudos for being one of the top performers in camp. “Being a fast guy, that’s all people talk about, ‘He’s fast, he’s fast.’ But, at the end of the day, I just want to have the overall game,” Johnson said. “As far as route running, route depth, blocking, I just want to showcase that I can do a lot more things than just speed.” If the Raiders keep a sixth wide receiver, keep an eye on D.J. Turner. He has flashed his ability to make things happen after the catch and provides depth as a returner.
Tight Ends
Darren Waller returned to practice after a nearly three-week absence, which helped quell rumors that he was quietly staging a contract holdout. ESPN reported last week that he was, in fact, dealing with a hamstring injury. Upon his return, he showed no signs of being slowed by injury and quickly got back in rhythm with Carr. "There is comfortability in the chemistry, the timing – I throw it five yards in front of Darren because he's so fast – that kind of thing," Carr said. "There definitely is that, and I never want to say that we 'have it', because I think that there's stuff that he and I can always grow in. But I have thrown him two, three hundred balls in games, and thousands and beyond that in practice. There is a workload there, so that when it comes back out, it's just normal."
Defense
Defensive ends Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones have dominated stretches of practice, giving the Raiders arguably the league’s most dangerous pass-rushing duo. Beyond those two, there are some questions about the depth and talent of the line. The Raiders are well under the cap and have reportedly shown some interest in free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. At linebacker, Denzel Perryman, Divine Deablo, and Jayon Brown are roster locks, which leaves rookies Darien Butler and Luke Masterson competing for a roster spot as the fourth linebacker. Masterson had a great game against the Dolphins, which may give him a leg up. Cornerback Nate Hobbs has been the best playmaker in the secondary. With Trayvon Mullen finally back at practice along with Antony Averett and Rock Ya-Sin, the Raiders had their full complement of cornerbacks for the first time. Hobbs’ ability to play the slot or outside gives the team the flexibility to get the best three corners on the field. Tre’Von Moehrig has one starting safety slot locked down. While it has been assumed that Johnathan Abram would start over Duron Harmon, Abram was one of the few projected starters to play deep into the game against Miami while Harmon was given the night off. Abram and Harmon may rotate throughout games depending upon the situation instead of having one true starter.
Offensive Line
Right tackle Brandon Parker has been out since Preseason Week 1 with an undisclosed injury. The situation is serious but not season-ending. Last year's first-round draft pick Alex Leatherwood, journeyman Jermaine Eluemunor and seventh-round rookie Thayer Munford (Ohio State) are battling, and Munford has come on as of late. Right guard Lester Cotton (Alabama UDFA from 2019) has the lead over Leatherwood. Munford and Cotton are feel-good stories, but opposing coordinators will look to target them early.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Through two preseason games, we have yet to see Derek Carr. The reports on his play in practice have been glowing, however. Carr has picked up the new offense quickly, partly because during the offseason he watched a bunch of film of the New England offense and Tom Brady during Josh McDaniels’ time there. “What a gift that is for me to be able to watch and see his eyes and see the shoulder movements and the little details,” Carr said of watching Brady’s tape. Carr reportedly has not thrown a single interception in training camp. Jarrett Stidham again performed well as the starter in the preseason matchup against the Vikings. He completed 10-of-15 passes for 68 yards and rushed for 16 yards and a touchdown. Stidham looks very comfortable in his fourth year in the McDaniels offense. Nick Mullens also played well but is likely on the wrong side of the roster bubble, with Las Vegas only expected to keep two quarterbacks.
Running Backs
After being the only skill position starter to play in the preseason opener, Josh Jacobs was on the sideline with the other starters for the second preseason game. In the aftermath of the preseason opener, there was speculation the Raiders could be looking to trade Jacobs, but head coach McDaniels quickly shot that down, stating the team had “no desire” to trade him. There should be less panic about Jacobs’ role, though he will still have to fend off Zamir White, who continues to impress and should force his way onto the field in some capacity. White started the Week 2 matchup against the Vikings and again showed well. He ran hard between the tackles and showed nice agility and hands on a catch and run out of the backfield. White split snaps almost evenly to start the game with Kenyan Drake, which is probably not a good sign for where Drake stands on the depth chart. Ameer Abdullah was given the day off along with Jacobs and the other starters, which is worth reading into when it comes to where he stands compared to Drake. According to SI.com’s Albert Breer, Abdullah is in line to play the “James White role” in the Raiders’ offense. If Abdullah can stay ahead of Drake in the pecking order for passing-down snaps, then Drake does not serve much of a role on the team and could be a cap casualty.
Wide Receivers
It has been a quiet camp in terms of Raiders wide receiver news. Davante Adams has gone about his business like a pro and still looks like one of the best wide receivers in the league. Hunter Renfrow is poised to pick up right where he left off after a breakout 103-catch season. Adams and Renfrow have quickly formed a bond. “It’s great, man,” Adams said of playing with Renfrow. “He’s an interesting dude because I’ve been around a lot of people that are like Hunter, but they’re never usually going into their…fourth-year with the type of football acumen that he has and his awareness and understanding why he does certain things.” With the tight ends and running backs expected to be heavily involved in the passing game, there will not be many balls to go around for the receivers behind Adams and Renfrow. Battling for whatever targets are left over will be Mack Hollins, Demarcus Robinson, Keelan Cole, and Tyron Johnson. Each have had their moments throughout camp and the preseason but not have separated from the pack.
Tight Ends
Darren Waller has not practiced in over two weeks. While his absence had fueled speculation Waller may be staging a de facto holdout given that we know he wants a new contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Waller “has been held out of training camp due to a hamstring injury that is not considered serious.” Paul Gutierrez of ESPN talked to Waller at an August 11th WNBA game and reported that Waller “sounds like he should return to practice next week.” For his part, Waller seems excited about the new offense and believes he should be more involved in the red zone. “There was a lot of times in the last couple years where I felt like there wasn’t a clear defined attack in the red zone or like a plan for me specifically. I was kind of like ‘what am I doing?’ sometimes,” Waller said on the ‘Bussin’ with the Boys’ podcast. “But now I kind of feel like that’s something that’s in place with Josh… for me, there’s no reason why my big a– shouldn’t be dominating in the red zone at all times.” Backup Foster Moreau is looking more well-rounded as a receiver and blocker after struggling as a blocker last season.
Defense
The Raiders have one of the best defensive end duos in the league, with Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby. According to Breer, Crosby has taken his game to another level, which is a scary proposition for opponents, given that Crosby was already a Pro Bowler last season. The Raiders need Jones and Crosby to stay healthy this season because they have little quality depth at the position. As a rookie, cornerback Nate Hobbs was a revelation in the slot last year. In camp, he has also shown the skills to play outside, which gives the Raiders more options when trying to get the best defensive backs onto the field.
Returners
Every year the league averages fewer and fewer return opportunities, which (combined with teams' reluctance to use starters on special teams) makes it harder and harder for return specialists to put up the kind of all-purpose yardage totals necessary to make an impact on fantasy leagues with return yardage scoring. But this year, despite indications that Hunter Renfrow will be heavily involved on offense, the Raiders still have him listed atop the depth chart as the primary punt returner. Renfrow is one of the better punt returners in the league and has an opportunity to receive a real boost in leagues that reward special teams’ contributions if he maintains that role. On the other side, Kenyan Drake and Ameer Abdullah are likely competing for primary kickoff return responsibilities.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Derek Carr was consistently excellent throughout camp. Few balls are hitting the turf, and Carr is demonstrating full command of the new offense under head coach Josh McDaniels. He is playing mistake-free football and is making the transition to a new scheme look easy. Carr could be in line for a career year if the offensive line can give him enough time to get it to his weapons. Jarrett Stidham is the heavy favorite over Nick Mullens to be the backup behind Carr due to his three years of experience under McDaniels in New England. In fact, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, Stidham “has the backup job in a vise grip.” With Carr sitting out, Stidham started the preseason opener against the Jaguars and completed 8 of 15 passes for 96 yards with a rushing touchdown.
Running Backs
Everyone is looking for clues about how McDaniels will divvy up running back snaps. The fact that Josh Jacobs was on the field for multiple series while the key offensive starters sat out the preseason opener raised eyebrows. While Jacobs performed well with 44 total yards on seven touches, his mere presence on the field in such a low-stakes situation could indicate that the new coaching staff does not view him as the clear-cut lead back. However, McDaniels attempted to shut down speculation that he was sending a message by playing Jacobs. “I always think it’s good for backs to carry the ball in the preseason,” McDaniels said in the postgame press conference. “There’s a lot of things that happen when you’re getting tackled and hit that you can’t simulate in practice. I think all of our guys had the ball tonight; all of our guys either caught it or were handed the ball and had to get tackled. We can’t really simulate that or rep that in practice.” On the bright side, Jacobs showed up to camp in great shape and is seeing increased usage as a receiver. While rookie Zamir White missed a few practices early in camp with an undisclosed injury, but he’s coming on strong now. He averaged 4.7 yards on his 11 carries and had three catches for 23 yards against the Jaguars. “He ran hard with the ball in his hands and is tough to tackle,” McDaniels said. “He finishes runs the right way. He brings a physical element to the game and the team…There’s gonna be some things we have to tweak and clean up, but I thought for him to get out there and establish (himself), that’s the style of runner he was at Georgia. To see him do it here was good.” Kenyan Drake also played in the preseason opener. Drake was listed behind Jacobs, White, and Brandon Bolden on the Raiders' initial depth chart. The true pecking order in this backfield is unclear and subject to change, making Jacobs a risky pick at his current ADP.
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams didn’t miss a single offseason workout or training camp practice since joining the Raiders. He is impressing teammates with his skills, leadership, and work ethic. Both Adams and Hunter Renfrow have reportedly been open “early and often” throughout practices and have been as advertised for the new coaching staff. The Raiders not only improved at the top of the depth chart but have much stronger depth than in past years. Mack Hollins is having a strong camp, consistently earning praise and making plays through contact. He’s emerged as the favorite for the third wide receiver spot ahead of Demarcus Robinson. “Mack, he’s someone that does everything,” Carr said. “He’s a big body.” Keelan Cole was also brought in to compete for backup snaps and is making a positive early impression. “Keelan has really impressed me with his ability to turn in the air to make catches,” Carr said. “His ability on the sideline, he’s really good. There is never a doubt if he’s in or he’s out. Some guys just have a natural feel of where they are at on the field. He runs really crisp routes.”
Tight Ends
Darren Waller is seeking a contract extension after signing a below-market deal two years ago that pays him the 17th-most at the position. The good thing is that he is not holding out. He showed up to camp in great shape but was sidelined for most of the week with a minor injury and was held out of the preseason opener. Foster Moreau is one of the better backup tight ends in the NFL and gives Josh McDaniels some flexibility regarding matchups. With Moreau’s ability to play inline, the Raiders can employ 12 personnel with Waller split out wide, which could be the go-to formation. Jacob Hollister is the favorite to be the third tight end.
Defense
Injuries are mounting for the defense. Pass rusher Kyler Fackrell was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. Defensive ends Clelin Ferrell and Chandler Jones have also been banged up, missing a string of practices. Three other key defensive players, cornerback Trayvon Mullen and defensive tackles Johnathan Hankins and Bilal Nichols, have not practiced after starting on the PUP list. “They’re all working really hard. It’ll be exciting, obviously, when some of these guys come back,” McDaniels said when asked about the trio. “And I know this: They’re studying hard, they’re involved in everything we’re doing, and when they’re ready to practice, they’ll re-join us.”
