Oakland Raiders: 7 Things To Keep An Eye On Against Arizona Cardinals

Lots Of Talent, Not Enough Spots

With so much talent on the roster, the Raiders are going to have to make some tough choices. And one of those choices is going to be which receivers to keep on the 53-man roster.

The top three spots are pretty well locked up in Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, and Cordarrelle Patterson. Which, if the Raiders hold to their patterns, leaves two spots open. They’ve typically carried five wideouts in the past.

Which means that there is a fierce battle brewing between K.J. Brent, Johnny Holton, Jaydon Mickens, and Seth Roberts for those last two spots.

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Many likely think that by virtue of having been with the team the last couple of years and having made some plays. But that may not necessarily be the case – he has had an issue with drops both of his seasons with the team.

Del Rio has said in the past that he wants the best 53 men on his roster. And if Roberts gets outplayed by Brent, Holton, and Mickens, he could find himself the odd man out.

All four of those receivers have great skill and varied skill sets. Brent (six-foot-four, 203 lbs.), Holton (six-foot-three, 190 lbs.) and Roberts (six-foot-two, 194 lbs.) all have terrific size, speed, and hands. They can all make plays. And Mickens at five-foot-eleven, 170 lbs.) is a an elusive burner.

For those outside the top three in the receivers group, there are no guarantees. Since the team acquired Patterson, the battle for the remaining wide receiver slots is one of the more intriguing in camp. A strong exhibition season could catapult somebody to the 53-man roster. And conversely, a poor exhibition season could knock somebody off the bubble completely.

It’ll be a fun battle to watch.