Players always are searching for ways to improve, just as coaches always are looking for ways to get more production out of their players each season. Five Raiders, in particular, are being counted upon to elevate their performance next season. Head coach Jon Gruden and his coaching staff would love to get more production from
I will add OL Parker to the mix. He needs to prove he can even be a capable backup, because he is for sure not a starting caliber player. Another wasted pick. He is not a lock to make the 53 even though I know that was kind of the point of the article.
Carlson too. He will have to fight for his spot against the UDFA Eberle. If Carlson keeps his job, he cant miss FGs inside 50 and he really cant miss any more extra points.
I thought about adding Parker, but he is so far down the depth chart that he isn’t even a real factor. At least Key, Hall and the others have a realistic shot at playing significant downs this season. For Brandon Parker to get on the field, it’s going to mean that not only the starter is injured, but the backup. He simply hasn’t made the kind of progress that Gruden and Tom Cable had hoped for by now. Like Key and Hall, the Raiders aren’t financially and contractually tied to Parker beyond this season. So, Parker has a lot of work to do between now and the end of this season.
Can’t disagree with this list. All of those players on the hot list, and deservedly so.
As Vet says, Carlson is also on the list.
And the hot button, Carr is also on this list. Mariota in the wait if Carr falters.
Agree on Carr and would also put defensive genius Paul Guenther into the mix… like Carr, a replacement is in the wings for somebody that doesn’t step up with a stronger cast. Marinelli will likely be DC by mid-season (if not before) .