Oakland Raiders Stock Watch: Matt Schaub Waivering?

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) holds up the ball after catching a pass in front of Oakland Raiders cornerback Tarell Brown (23) for a first down in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Vikings win 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Schaub is one of several Oakland Raiders players experiencing shifts in their roster stock heading towards opening day.

Tarell Brown – CB – Stock:  Down

The entire Oakland secondary has looked awfully vulnerable through two preseason games.  In both contests the opposing starting offenses were able to move the ball virtually at will, particularly through the air.  Matthew Stafford added to that validation when he threw two touchdown passes for Detroit in week two.  At the center of the frustration is Tarell Brown.  Considered one of their best free agent acquisitions back in March, he has looked nothing like what they’d hoped he’d be, perhaps explaining why San Francisco didn’t try harder to re-sign him.

Brice Butler – WR – Stock:  Up

One thing the Raiders were certain they had figured out was the wide receiver position after the addition of James Jones.  Most of the depth chart seemed set save for one or two spots at the back end.  That assumption may have to get revised given how well second-year man Brice Butler has played.  Despite ongoing quarterback issues, the 6’3″ man out of San Diego State has collected 11 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown in two preseason games.  He has that look of an emerging threat and needs more playing time in the offense to prove it.

Matt Schaub – QB – Stock:  Down

Faith hasn’t waned just yet for veteran quarterback Matt Schaub and whether he can be that stable force under center the Raiders have lacked.  However, early takeaways aren’t exactly encouraging.  Schaub still disturbingly resembled the ineffective player he was last season in Houston with the limited arm strength and lack of impact plays.  His experience and leadership aren’t questioned but unless he starts to get more out of himself on the scoreboard, Oakland will have to start looking to their young bench for an answer.

Kory Sheets – RB – Stock:  Up

What a difference a year makes.  After looking almost devoid of help at running back at the end of 2013 after losing Rashad Jennings, the Raiders seem to have an ever swelling stock of runners available.  Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden look good, as does reserve Latavius Murray.  The real surprise has been Kory Sheets.  At age 29 he is not a young buck, but the journeyman veteran has taken on that classic Oakland restoration feel.  After saving his career in Canada, the next step to redemption has come through two games in which he has 45 yards rushing on 10 carries.  With Jones-Drew and McFadden set, Sheets has done enough to put himself in reasonable position to challenge Murray for the final running back slot.