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Raiders coach Jon Gruden has the reputation of preferring veteran players. This seemed to be the case this year, when he put together the oldest list of the NFL and began to reduce his draft picks with future development.
Although previous classes are not popular, this year's group sees opportunities to shine and gain real-world work experience.
"I'm excited about the rookie class," said Gruden. "All my life, I've been accused of hating recruits and loving old players. Now I play against 10 recruits. What do you say to that, America? "
[[[[RELATED: Major expected upset of the composition?]I do not know if the whole country cares, but Raider Nation, certainly. The fan base is looking for a glimmer of hope in a nauseating departure of 1-5 and there are real signs of optimism in the group.
Let's take a look at the recruits who contributed (or, in one case, contributed) to this year's team:
LT Kolton Miller – The UCLA product has struggled in recent weeks while playing against an injury, but is firmly convinced that it is the long-term solution for a major job.
DT P.J. Hall – A sprained ankle at the beginning of the season slowed its progression and attenuated its impact. He is not a hulk, but Hall could become a stubborn inside mat, able to push the pocket.
RT Brandon Parker – The product for small schools still has a long way to go, but he must learn to work now that Donald Penn is in the casualty pool. It does not hurt, considering he missed most of the training camp due to an ankle problem.
DE Arden Key – It has all the curvature, length and athleticism that coaches want in a race to the rope. He is technically competent, but he must be more efficient to have a constant impact on the corner half. There is room for improvement compared to running and avoid biting the game and steering errors.
[[[[RELATED: Key, Hurst, Hall are bright spots]CB Nick Nelson – Gruden thinks that the Wisconsin cover man is finally healthy and ready to contribute after torn his meniscus during the pre-draft process. It has been inactive most weeks.
DT Maurice Hurst – It will be considered a fifth lap flight in time. He is the most refined rookie rookie and has been effective against running and passing. He could be a pillar in starting training.
P Johnny Townsend – The product of Florida has disappointed so far, proving unable to return to favor with the Raiders. He has not shown enough power and has used too much to be acceptable at the professional level.
Matte 1 Trent Sieg – He was a helpful replacement after Andrew DePaola tore his ACL.
K Matt McCrane – He missed four attempts in the field in three games, and the shots were not deep enough. McCrane must do better, otherwise the team could turn to another kicker.
LB Jason Cabinda – The unprepared rookie was promoted to coaching after Derrick Johnson was released. Cabinda will make her NFL debut next week against the Colts.
Retired players who did not make the regular season lineup: LB Azeem Victor (exonerated), WR Marcell Ateman (on the practice team)
Non-wired players in the IR or the training team. RB Chris Warren III (IR), WR Saeed Blacknall (coaching team); K Eddy Piñeiro (IR), FB Ryan Yuracheck (practice team), TE Paul Butler (practice team), S Dallin Leavitt (practice team)
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