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The Raiders are playing their third preseason game on Thursday night, which is considered a regular-season dress rehearsal.
Frontline starters would play on the second half, make time for a rhythm, experience a halftime break and make adjustments on the fly.
That does not happen much anymore, now that the preseason is only going to survive. The Raiders' frontline starters are not expected to play much more than the Green Bay Packers at IG Field in Winnipeg.
Most of the starting points, and playing second-and-third players against Green Bay's top unit players.
Those are the guys to watch, trying to make a strong post-training camp print on the Raiders' decision-makers. Minds are much made up by the time we reach the final preseason game, so it's a real chance to put a lasting memory in Jon Gruden's brain during a still open competition. That's why we're all about fighting for roster spots and / or roles on the team. This is a great time for them to shine.
DT P.J Hall
Gruden has shown no hesitation letting second-round picks go early in their rookie contracts. He cut Mario Edwards Jr. (2015). He traded Jihad Ward (2016). He waived / injured Obi Melifonwu (2018). He did not know what he was doing before.
Those guys, however, were drafted by GM Reggie McKenzie. Would he have the same willingness with a second-round pick he was involved in drafting? The answer to that is simple: Heck yes.
That's why Hall, Ethan Westbrooks and Anthony Rush shined. A roster is not a given at this point, even for a talented small-school player with a low center of gravity, a solid power pass-rush moves and a knack for batting passes down.
Some 'wow' plays would be a reminder of this place.
RB DeAndre Washington
The Texas Tech product was set up for the fall guy in his position group. First-round pick Josh Jacobs would be the bellcow, Doug Martin's advisor and Jalen Richard offering a change of pace.
Washington has proven time and again he's an NFL-caliber runner, with another strong preseason in the works. He should see more early in this game, where he can get an inside shot and make plays in the passing game. He could well take a look at the running backs, or force the Raiders to consider keeping an extra guy.
"We think he looks faster and stronger," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said. "So, we've been happy with how he's developed so far."
No matter what, more quality game tape would be sure he was picked up quickly should Raiders roster spot prove unattainable. He'll find a job somewhere, though he's certainly like to remain with the Silver and Black.
OT David Sharpe
The Raiders made their fourth-round pick of last year's cuts, but he ended up back with the Silver and Black by season's end. He was a fringe player then, a reserve reserved for protection.
It was tough to find a way around this year's roster, but it keeps getting impressed and is in the running to the Raiders' swing tackle. The job seemed set for Brandon Parker, who bulked up and seemed ready for a solid sophomore campaign. Sharpe, who is played through several struggles trying to prove his worth.
"David Sharpe has had a good camp," Gruden said. "I think Brandon Parker has done an excellent job. He struggled a little bit one series against the Rams, but he played against Arizona playing both positions. He and David are both good at, I think, experience, and their role that they are competing for. "
S Erik Harris
Harris is back in Canada, where his professional football career started. He was with the Hamilton Tiger Cats for three seasons before finally cracking NFL roster, and still has strong ties to his CFL roots.
CFL fans will be cheering for him Thursday in Winnipeg, happy to see someone from their league truly make it. Harris would love to make some games for those who remembered his days, and he had a lackluster performance against Arizona last week.
Veteran safety Curtis Riley has made the most of this position. Lamarcus Joyner Raiders, but his versatility could make it easier to keep three safeties over four. Harris is believed to be a strong advocate of the roster for defensive help and special teams. He just signed a contract extension this offseason, after all. A solid showing against the packers could certainly help secure his standing.
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TE Derek Carrier
Gruden said earlier in training that it would be hard for someone to take Carrier's roster spot. He's a hard worker and a versatile talent with a blue-collar attitude these Raiders like. Darren Waller and Foster Moreau to form a three-man tight end group with enough versatility and special-team prowess to get required jobs done.
Carrier has helped his case with an over-the-shoulder touchdown in Arizona – as we saw on "Hard Knocks," that was designed for Waller – that proved he's an adept receiver as well as a blocker.
It will be interesting to see how much it plays, especially in relation to Luke Willson. If the Raiders keep four tight ends – that's a big "if" – both guys advance. If there's only one, the competition will be close.
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