Oakland Raiders: Biggest Winners And Losers From Training Camp
By Kevin Saito
Winner: Treyvon Hester
Hester, a seventh-round pick out of Toledo has showed some real promise and has most definitely caught the attention of the coaching staff.
After the unit was pushed around last season, the Raiders need some rotational depth along the defensive line. Hester, the six-foot-three, 291 pounder, has had a fairly strong camp to this point. Though relatively quiet against the Rams – he recorded a single tackle – Hester had a two-sack performance in the exhibition opener against the Cardinals.
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Hester’s size, speed, and mobility have become evident and could potentially be big assets for a defensive line needing somebody who can provide a solid push up the middle and some strength at the point of attack.
Though he still needs some polish and refinement, Hester has shown, to this point, that he has the raw skills this Raiders team can definitely use up front.
But it’s going to be a tough unit to crack. With James Cowser having a very solid camp and looking like he’s headed for a roster spot. Darius Latham had a solid rookie season and has proven himself to be a valuable rotational piece. And Denico Autry is a consistent performer who is all but guaranteed a spot.
While the Raiders will likely run a base 4-3, and those starting spots are already very likely taken up by Mario Edwards Jr., Justin Ellis, Eddie Vanderdoes, and Khalil Mack, Hester could provide some valuable rotational depth.
But Hester is going to have to really flash over the final two games of the exhibition season to have a chance to get off the bubble. If not, he could be an ideal candidate for the practice squad.