Teams continue to announce their undrafted free agent hauls. Here is the Raiders’ 10-man contingent:
- Te’von Coney, LB (Notre Dame)
- Lester Cotton, G (Alabama)
- Keelan Doss, WR (UC Davis)
- Koa Farmer, LB (Penn State)
- Alec Ingold, FB (Wisconsin)
- Andre James, T (UCLA)
- Dylan Mabin, CB (Fordham)
- Lukayus McNeil, G (Louisville)
- Keisean Nixon, CB (South Carolina)
- Tyler Roemer, T (San Diego)
Going heavy on offensive linemen after a nine-player draft did not bring any blockers, the Raiders added some big-school talent with extensive starting experience. Cotton started 28 games for the Crimson Tide, at both left and right guard, helping Bo Scarbrough, Damien Harris and Raiders first-rounder Josh Jacobs to big per-carry numbers. McNeil has both guard and tackle experience and was a key presence (46 starts in a four-year career) in helping Lamar Jackson to two dominant seasons with the Cardinals.
The duo, along with James and Roemer, will battle to join 2018 second-round pick Brandon Parker among the Raiders’ backup linemen. With Brandon Marshall and Vontaze Burfict signed to one-year deals, the Raiders’ Las Vegas tenure may need some new blood at linebacker. The Raiders did not draft one, so Coney (two 100-plus-tackle seasons with the Fighting Irish) and Farmer (28 starts with the Nittany Lions) figure to be candidates to stick around via the 53-man roster or, more likely, the practice squad.
Doss said he received better offers than what the Raiders proposed, but UC Davis’ all-time receiving leader opted to play for his hometown team (before it relocates to Vegas next year). Jon Gruden mentioned pre-draft that he wanted to add at least one more cornerback to the roster, but the Raiders drafted both Trayvon Mullen (in Round 2) and Isaiah Johnson (in Round 4). That will make Mabin and Nixon’s paths to the active roster difficult.
This is actually a pretty solid group of UDFA’s the Raiders were able to sign and put together. As of their current roster, the Raiders were able to bring in FOUR UDFAs that are more than capable of making an NFL Roster. I think Cotton and McNeil both have the experience, savvy, and toughness to make the Raiders roster; however, if I had to pick one or the other, I’m going with Cotton. Cotton was an unheralded, yet key piece of Bama’s success, especially in the running game. Bringing Cotton in, and reuniting him with Jacobs could prove to be a very smart move for the Raiders, they trust one another, and they have built up some excellent chemistry both on and off the field..
I think Coney also has what it takes to make the Raiders roster, but he’s goin to have to truly standout in camp, during the pre-season, aND use his instincts and sideline to sideline abilities to make plays and shine when the Raiders coaches go back over and review their scrimmage, practice, and game film..It’s an uphill battle for Coney, but yeah, I’ll say he makes their squad.
Doss has the talent to make the Raiders roster, but ultimately, due to a numbers crunch, I think he’s going to end up on their practice squad..If Doss cam get Brown’s attention and garner his respect as a hardworking up and coming WR, then Brown could prove to be an extremely valuable resource for Doss’ growth moving forward. If Doss isn’t picked up by another team first, I think he will likely male the team next season, and with a year under his belt, after putting on more muscle, and sharpening his route running skills Doss could prove to be a solid pickup for the Raiders..
Again, good job by the Raiders here, and anytime you are able to add young and talented depth where you need it, that’s always a major plus!!
I agree that Coney makes the team. I don’t get how he was not drafted
“the Raiders’ Las Vegas tenure may need some new blood at linebacker. The Raiders did not draft one.”
An Aldon Smith comeback attempt really has me excited…lol.