Oakland Raiders: A few guys who need to perform well in preseason finale
By Kevin Saito
Seth Roberts
Seth Roberts has been on again, off again, with Gruden this offseason. First, came the reports that during the Draft, Roberts was up on the trade block.
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Obviously, no deal ever materialized, since Roberts is still with the team. His status though, remained up in there air. It became even more tenuous with the acquisitions of Martavis Bryant, Ryan Switzer, Griff Whalen, and Dwayne Harris.
There are only so many roster spots available for guys who primarily run out of the slot.
Roberts stock though, got a boost when Gruden traded Switzer away to Pittsburgh, and put Whalen on IR, effectively ending his brief stint in Oakland.
Harris is likely looking at being used primarily on returns, which whittles down the open spots on the roster even further. With Amari Cooper, Martavis Bryant, and Jordy Nelson at the top of the depth chart, there are very few spots to begin with.
If Roberts is going to make the club, he’s going to need to do something to catch Gruden’s eye against Seattle. He’s battling against the likes of Johnny Holton, Marcell Ateman, Keon Hatcher, Isaac Whitney, and Saeed Blacknall – though, realistically, his biggest competition at this point (besides himself) are Holton and Ateman.
Roberts has missed some time with injury this offseason, and there is his ever-present issue with drops to contend with – both, cardinal sins in the book of Gruden – so, he’s looking at an uphill battle either way. But, with Switzer and Whalen both gone, his road may have gotten a tiny bit easier.
He has an opportunity, now he just has to go out and earn a spot on the 53-man roster. A solid showing against the Seahawks could help his cause tremendously.