Raiders coach Jon Gruden has a reputation for preferring veteran players. That seemed to be the case this year, when he assembled the NFL’s oldest roster and starting cutting recent draft picks with development left ahead.
While previous draft classes haven’t gotten much run, this year’s group is seeing opportunities to shine and gain real-world job experience.
“I’m excited about the rookie class,” Gruden said. “I’ve been accused my whole life of hating rookies and liking old players, and now I’m playing 10 rookies. What do you say to that, America?”
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[RELATED: Major roster upheaval expected?]
Not sure if the entire country cares, but Raider Nation certainly does. The fan base is looking for a glimmer of hope in an otherwise nauseating 1-5 start, and there are some real signs of optimism in the group.
Let’s take a look at the rookies contributing (or, in one case, set to contribute) to this year’s squad:
LT Kolton Miller -- The UCLA product has struggled the last few weeks while playing through injury, but there’s a strong belief he is the long-term solution at an important position.
NFL
DT P.J. Hall -- An early season ankle sprain has slowed his progress and dulled his impact. He isn’t a hulk, but Hall could develop into a tenacious inside pass rusher who can push the pocket.
RT Brandon Parker -- The small-school product has a long way to go, but he must learn on the job now that Donald Penn is on injured reserve. He isn’t doing half bad, considering he missed most of training camp with an ankle issue.
DE Arden Key -- He has all the bend, length and athleticism that coaches want in an edge rusher. He’s technically proficient, but he must be more efficient to consistently impact the cornerback. There’s room for improvement against the run and to avoid biting on play action and misdirection.
[RELATED: Key, Hurst, Hall are bright spots]
CB Nick Nelson -- Gruden believes the Wisconsin cover man finally is healthy and ready to contribute after tearing his meniscus during the pre-draft process. He has been inactive most weeks.
DT Maurice Hurst -- He'll be viewed as a fifth-round steal in time. He's the Raiders’ most polished rookie, and has been effective against the run and pass. He could be a mainstay in the starting lineup.
P Johnny Townsend -- The Florida product has disappointed thus far, proving unable to flip field position in the Raiders’ favor. He hasn’t shown enough power, and has shanked too many to be acceptable at the pro level.
LS Trent Sieg -- He has been a servicable replacement after Andrew DePaola tore his ACL.
K Matt McCrane -- He has missed four field-goal attempts in three games, and kickoffs haven’t been steadily deep enough. McCrane must do better, or the team could look to another kicker.
LB Jason Cabinda -- The undrafted rookie was promoted from the practice squad after Derrick Johnson was released. Cabinda will make his NFL debut next week against the Colts.
Drafted players who didn’t make the regular-season roster: LB Azeem Victor (waived), WR Marcell Ateman (on practice squad)
Undrafted players on IR or practice squad. RB Chris Warren III (IR), WR Saeed Blacknall (practice squad); K Eddy Piñeiro (IR), FB Ryan Yuracheck (practice squad), TE Paul Butler (practice squad), S Dallin Leavitt (practice squad)