Oakland Raiders: Way-too-early 53-man roster predictions
By Justin Fried
Defensive Linemen
Roster: Clelin Ferrell [DE], Arden Key [DE], Josh Mauro [DE], Maxx Crosby [DE], Benson Mayowa [DE] Maurice Hurst [DT], Justin Ellis [DT], Johnathan Hankins [DT], P.J. Hall [DT] (9)
Cuts: Quinton Bell [DE/LB], Alex Barrett [DE], Ronald Ollie [DE/DT], Eddie Vanderdoes [DT], Gabe Wright [DT] (5)
The Raiders will likely look to keep a ton of depth at the defensive line position and nine make the cut here as a result. No. 4 overall draft pick Clelin Ferrell will expectedly man one of the defensive end positions but the other spot should be up for grabs.
Last year’s third-round pick Arden Key will be given every opportunity to win the job but he underwhelmed last season in a starting role. Pushing him for a spot will be veterans Josh Mauro and Benson Mayowa who both make the roster in this scenario as depth options.
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Rookie fourth-round pick Maxx Crosby also secures a spot but he might need some development before he’s given any substantial playing time.
The interior should be pretty locked up with rookie standout Maurice Hurst returning to be paired with fellow 2018 draft pick P.J. Hall and veterans Johnathan Hankins and Justin Ellis. A surprising cut could be 2017 third-round pick Eddie Vanderdoes who missed all of last season recovering from a torn ACL.
The team could also look to sneak intriguing seventh-round pick Quinton Bell on to their practice squad. But if he impresses on special teams with his speed and athleticism, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him push someone like Mayowa for a roster spot.