Oakland Raiders: Biggest Roster Surprises On Cutdown Day

LaTroy Lewis

There’s no question about it, LaTroy Lewis had one heck of a camp and preseason. He flashed some big time ability and had a knack for making big plays over the course of the four exhibition games.

In his time in on the field, Lewis notched three sacks – two in one game against the Cardinals – and was in the right spot at the right time when a sack against the Rams forced a fumble that Lewis picked out of the air and rumbled down for a 65-yard score.

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He quickly became a fan favorite and many believed that Lewis had done enough to lock up a spot among the final 53, with many trumpeting his achievements and pronouncing him an upgrade over a certain linebacker who was third-round pick last year. Spoiler alter, Lewis is an upgrade over that other guy.

But, as many big plays as he did have, he also had periods where he wasn’t quite as impactful. While he never completely disappeared (unlike a certain linebacker who was a third-round pick last year), Lewis was a little inconsistent at times. Especially when it came to defending the pass – and given their difficulties in that area already, Lewis is a roll of the dice they simply can’t afford to take.

Lewis has a high upside and could develop into a solid contributor. Unfortunately, it’s not going to be with the Raiders. After being waived, many believed that Lewis would wind up with the team’s practice squad.

That’s apparently not going to be the case as he Tweeted out earlier today.

Lewis is taking his talents down to Houston to sign with the Texan’s practice squad. He needs more seasoning, but one can’t help but wonder if – given the upside he flashed and their lack of solid play at the position – that the Raiders didn’t make a mistake in letting him get away.