Oakland Raiders: The good, bad, and ugly from preseason win over Seahawks
By Kevin Saito
Good: Keon Hatcher
Firmly on the roster bubble, Keon Hatcher has been scratching and clawing for a spot on the 53-man roster. He punctuated his preseason effort with an emphatic performance against Seattle, and showed that perhaps, with some additional offensive snaps, he can produce for the team.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
Undrafted out of Arkansas last year, Hatcher spent his rookie season on Oakland’s practice squad. With most of the team resting during the preseason finale, Hatcher made the most of his opportunity, hauling in eight receptions for 128 yards, and three touchdowns – two from Manuel, and one from Connor Cook.
Hatcher did everything he could to make an impression on Gruden and the coaching staff, showing power, awareness, speed, and good hands. Perhaps, his most impressive play, was a 45-yard touchdown catch and run from Manuel – as he was being tackled, he had the presence of mind to know his knee never touched the turf. He popped back up and sprinted twenty or thirty yards for the score.
The receiver spot though, is one that’s deep and talented for this Raiders team, and Hatcher was looking at an uphill fight from the start.
You figure that the team is likely going to carry five, or maybe six receivers. Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, Martavis Bryant occupy the top three spots. Gruden has already surprisingly said that Seth Roberts will make the final roster.
That’s four spots taken, meaning Hatcher will need to beat out seventh-round pick Marcell Ateman, Johnny Holton, Saeed Blacknall, and Dwayne Harris for a spot on the roster.
The odds aren’t great, but Hatcher did everything he could. And somebody, if not the Raiders, is likely going to take notice and snap him up if, and when, he’s cut.