The Raiders have finalized their roster of undrafted rookies after rookie minicamp, adding 20 players. Among them, Tyler Duzanski, the top long snapper, is highly likely to secure a spot on the team.
Key points
Raiders wrapped up rookie minicamp
20 undrafted free agents added to the roster
Tyler Duzanski is the top long snapper
Xavien Sorey Jr is a linebacker from Arkansas
Good odds for undrafted rookies to make the team
Tyler DuzanskiXavien Sorey JrRaidersRams
Yesterday, the Raiders wrapped up their rookie minicamp. In so doing, they locked in all of their undrafted free agents. It was a whopping 20 they added when all was said and done. With such a large number of undrafted rookies on the offseason roster, you'd have to figure the odds of a few of them cracking the regular season roster is pretty good.
1. Tyler Duzanski, LS, Penn State
Duzanski was considered the number one long snapper in the country. The only other long snapper on the Raiders offseason roster is Alex Ward who was released last season by the Rams. I'd say Duzanski is a shoo in for being the Raiders' next long snapper.
2. Xavien Sorey Jr, LB, Arkansas
The Raiders came into this draft desperately in need of depth at linebacker. And then they didn't take any. Sorey joins the team with a pretty good shot at making the roster for that reason alone. But he was also ranked as a late round draftable player. The Georgia transfer put up big number at Arkansas the past two years. He has the makings of a solid depth player and standout special teamer.
3. Kansei Matsuzawa, K, Hawaii
The Japanese-born kicker makes for a great story as he didn't pick up a football until age 19 after coming to Oakland to watch a Raiders game. Now at the age of 27, he was the most accurate kicker in college football last year and got the call from the team that inspired his journey. He will get every opportunity to be the kicker for this team, competing with NFL veteran Matt Gay who the past two seasons has missed more field goals outside 50 yards (11) than he's made (seven).
Who are the top undrafted rookies likely to make the Raiders roster?
Tyler Duzanski, the top long snapper from Penn State, and Xavien Sorey Jr, a linebacker from Arkansas, are among the top undrafted rookies expected to make the Raiders roster.
How many undrafted rookies did the Raiders sign after minicamp?
The Raiders signed a total of 20 undrafted rookies following their rookie minicamp.
What position does Tyler Duzanski play for the Raiders?
Tyler Duzanski plays as a long snapper for the Raiders.
What is the significance of the Raiders' undrafted free agents this season?
With a large number of undrafted free agents, the Raiders have increased chances of finding valuable players to contribute to their regular season roster.
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There's a fourth running back spot up for grabs on this team. And if all things are equal, it would be a cool thing for Fernando Mendoza to have one of his Indiana teammates in Las Vegas with him. He was in the shadow of fellow back Kaelon Black, but Hemby put up 1120 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. He is a one-cut-and-go back which works well in the zone blocking scheme. He also offers return abilities.
5. Chase Roberts, WR, BYU
The Raiders have a quantity over quality thing happening at the wide receiver spot. Which means it may not take much for Roberts to find a way onto the roster. Dane Brugler gave him a draftable grade as the 39th WR prospect in the draft.
6. Gary Smith III, DT, UCLA
Another position the Raiders needed in this draft was nose tackle. They selected Brandon Cleveland with their final pick at 229 overall in the seventh round. Smith is also a nose tackle and the spot is wide open if he can take it. He was considered draftable as the 26th DT on Dane Brugler's board.
7. EJ Williams, WR, Indiana
Another Hoosier joining the Raiders. I'd imagine he got the Mendoza seal of approval and the Raiders made the call. One thing is for sure; no one on this Raiders team is going to be more in sync with Mendoza right away than EJ Williams. That should help him hit the ground running. He his also 6-3, 203 so if he can perform as an X receiver type, the Raiders could use him.
8. Jacob Clark, QB, Missouri State
The Raiders like Clark enough to sign him over Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson who had a draftable grade. With Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza taking the top two QB spots, the third QB spot will be available. I think the team knows what to expect from Aidan O'Connell. And it ain't much. If they see potential in Clark, it could be worth it to hold onto him to find out if he can develop.
9. Cian Slone, EDGE, NC State
The Raiders cleaned some house at edge rusher recently, trading Tyree Wilson during the draft and cuttin Charle Snowden. While they are set for the top 3-4 edge rushers, there may be room for someone to prove they are worthy of cracking the roster at this position. The Raiders drafted Slone's linemate Brandon Cleveland in the seventh round. Did they notice something in Slone while they were watching tape to prompt his signing? He got a draftable grade from Dane Brugler as the 38th edge rusher in this draft.
10. Niklas Henning, OT, Queens University
Henning is one of those classic cases of a player who was late to football and therefore did all his developing at the college level. Also, as he is Canadian, he seems to have slipped past the NFL Draft radar. But the CFL knew who he was, leading to him being the number two overall pick in the CFL Draft last week. A few days later, he tried out for the Raiders and earned a contract. I could definitely see someone like him continuing to rise and cracking this roster.
