Raiders massive 16-player workout reveals biggest roster concerns
The Raiders appear to be shopping for reinforcements before Week 1.Las Vegas worked out 16 players Thursday, according to the NFL transaction wire, with the list concentrated heavily at positions where injuries and recent roster decisions have left the team thin.The most recognizable names were former Giants top-10 pick Evan Neal, 32-year-old veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling and pass rushers Azeez Ojulari, B.J.Ojulari and David Ojabo.Neal is particularly interesting after the Raiders recently traded versatile lineman Jordan Meredith to the Jets.
The No.7 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft struggled at tackle with the Giants before moving inside to guard and being released at final cuts.The Raiders also worked out guards Evan Beerntsen, center Trey Hill and tackles Christian Jones and Colby Sorsdal, suggesting Las Vegas is still evaluating its offensive line depth despite Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson returning from their respective injury concerns.Receiver may be even more pressing.Rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr.
was placed on injured reserve after missing all three preseason games, joining Justin Shorter, Corey Rucker and Chase Roberts among Raiders receivers currently on IR.Valdes-Scantling and former 49ers receiver Ronnie Bell were among Thursday’s tryouts.Klint Kubiak had already publicly challenged the receiver room during the preseason, saying Las Vegas was “still looking” for someone it could count on Sundays.
The current group is headed by Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor and Jack Bech.The workout also offered potential help for a depleted front seven.Third-round rookie Keyron Crawford suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the preseason finale, while Brennan Jackson is also on IR.Las Vegas responded by taking a look at both Ojulari brothers, Ojabo and linebacker Dasan McCullough.None of the workouts guarantee a signing.But after assembling their initial roster, the Raiders are clearly still looking for upgrades — and Thursday’s guest list p...