Oakland Raiders: Way-too-early 53-man roster predictions
By Justin Fried
Tight Ends
Roster: Darren Waller, Foster Moreau, Luke Willson, Erik Swoope (4)
Cuts: Derek Carrier, Paul Butler (2)
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The tight end position battle will also be an intriguing one to watch as not only are roster spots up for grabs, but the starting job is as well. With 2018 receiving leader Jared Cook departing via free agency, Oakland will be looking for someone new to stand up and take the reigns.
Expect the Raiders to give converted wide receiver Darren Waller every opportunity to be that guy and serve as the team’s top receiving threat. Meanwhile, rookie Foster Moreau is a lock and will likely serve as the team’s top in-line blocker following the departure of veteran Lee Smith.
Former Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson is a versatile veteran who’s started 45 games in his career while the recently signed Erik Swoope brings receiving potential with a basketball background.
Derek Carrier and Paul Butler get the boot and become victims of the numbers game. Carrier simply never stood out in limited opportunities last year while Butler could be a candidate for the practice squad.