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Oakland Raiders: Six UDFA’s Who Could Crack The 2017 53-Man Roster

By Kevin Saito

May 23, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Detroit Lions retired receiver Calvin Johnson (second from left) talks with Oakland Raiders receivers Michael Crabtree (15), Keon Hatcher (14) and K.J. Brent (80) during organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Detroit Lions retired receiver Calvin Johnson (second from left) talks with Oakland Raiders receivers Michael Crabtree (15), Keon Hatcher (14) and K.J. Brent (80) during organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Raiders
Sep 24, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Ishmael Zamora (8) runs after the catch as Oklahoma State Cowboys linebacker Devante Averette (40) pursues during a game at McLane Stadium. Baylor won 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Ishmael Zamora (WR)

The Raiders have one of the more dynamic receiving groups in the NFL. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree for one of the most potent and lethal receiving duos in the league. Beyond those two though, there is a bit of a drop-off in production from Oakland’s receivers group.

It’s actually, quite a steep dropoff in production. While Cooper and Crabtree both went over 1,000 yards in 2016, Seth Roberts had the next highest yardage total with 38 receptions for just 397 yards.

While there are only so many balls to go around and Cooper and Crabtree will get the lion’s share of the looks, the Raiders need more of a threat and better production from their third, fourth, and fifth receivers – a threat and production that were lacking at times last year.

Oakland shook up the receiving group slightly with the addition of Cordarelle Patterson. Though Patterson is likely going to be used in the kick and punt return game primarily, because of his tremendous explosiveness and athleticism, he very well could cut into Roberts’ touches – assuming Roberts even makes the final 53.

But with the departure of Andre Holmes, the Raiders very well may have a couple of spots to fill in their receivers room. Which could give Zamora the opportunity he needs – provided he shows out at camp.

He’ll be battling with the likes of K.J. Brent, Johnny Holton, Roberts, and Jaydon Mickens for a roster spot, which means he may have a bit of an uphill climb.

If Zamora hopes to make the squad, he’ll need to improve his route running and downfield blocking. He’s raw and will be a project. But he also has an intriguing blend of size and speed that could help him nab a spot on the roster.

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