Oakland Raiders: Most Surprising Moves On Cut Down Day

Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Shelby Harris (75) celebrates a tackle in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Oakland Raiders 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Shelby Harris Sent Packing

Speaking of roster spots taken up by useless lumps of meat named Bergstrom that could have gone toward players who could make a positive contribution to the team’s success…

Shelby Harris, a seventh round pick in last year’s draft, Harris didn’t do much. However, he had an excellent summer and was really flashing his potential over the course of this exhibition season. He was pretty beastly on the defensive line and made a number of terrific plays.

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Given how strong his exhibition season was, many assumed that he was a lock to make the 53 man roster. Despite the fact that the defensive line seems pretty loaded, Harris was being widely viewed as a solid rotational player who could help the team establish a solid pass rush – something they’ve lacked for a a number of years, and something they seemed to be doing a far better job of establishing so far this year.

But with the defensive line the Raiders have assembled, Del Rio clearly felt that he could afford to part ways with Harris, regardless of how strong his summer campaign has been. It’s tough to argue given how successful the Raiders’ defensive front has been this exhibition season, but it’s still a tough pill to swallow after seeing how good Harris has been and knowing that even in a rotational role, he could contribute.

Next: Farewell to a Fan Favorite