FanPost

The 53: Hayden Goes from Young Pup to PUP (week P3)


Dj-hayden_medium

via www.sbreport.net


Second edition of our running 53-man projection. In case you haven't heard, DJ Hayden was just confirmed (via 95.7 the Game) to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list--which sidelines him for six-weeks, minimum.

That aside, we had some big changes from a week ago thanks to the up-and-down play of a few rookies, so this week's edition won't be quite as youth-friendly as last week's 53. One catch here: I don't see the practices, and my projections are based entirely on preseason game film. I'll add my thoughts in italics. If you'd like to compare this to some of the other projections floating around the web, you can also check out the relatively recent posts by Pro-Football Spot and ESPN.

Based on two preseason games, here's The 53.

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Quarterbacks (3): Matt Schaub, Derek Carr, Matt McGloin

This is getting interesting--while we have no movement on the official depth chart, Carr and McGloin are playing great football. Week 3 won't be a great opportunity to move up as Schaub figures to get the lion's share of snaps. But you never know...stranger things have happened.

Halfbacks (4): Maurice Jones-Drew, Darren McFadden, Latavius Murray, Kory Sheets

No change here. MJD remains the best every-down option on the team thanks to his vision and shiftiness, and he'll share carries with straight-line sprinter McFadden. Sheets and Murray both looked great last week. Backfield might be too strong for Stewart to make it, despite his special teams ability.

Fullbacks (2): Marcel Reece, Jamize Olawale

With Reece in a walking boot with no time table to return, it's time to start considering which offensive player to promote to the 53 man roster should worst come to pass. My vote is RB/ST Jeremy Stewart, but Greg Little, Bergstrom and Criner all figure to get some consideration. This could be your 53rd man competition right here.

Wide Receiver (5): Rod Streater, Denarius Moore, James Jones, Brice Butler, Andre Holmes

Greg Jenkins didn't see the field Friday, while Greg Little hauled in two catches for 49 yards--including a wide open rainbow down to the three yard line. Unfortunately, he had SEVEN targets and several drops. And even on the aforementioned passing play, he stumbled out of bounds with no one within ten yards--it was an easy touchdown.

Andre Holmes was almost exactly as frustrating, with two catches on seven targets, and 42 yards. Right now, both physical specimens can't catch a cold. I hate to call this a battle...cripple-fight would be more appropriate. If nothing changes, Holmes will make it over Little due to the "Better the Devil you know" provision.

Tight-End (3): Mychal Riviera, Brian Leonhardt, Jake Murphy

I expect Nick Kasa and David Ausberry will both be on the IR--the latter with the designation to return later this season. Riviera had a nice bounce-back game with two catches for 26 yards.

Tackles (3): Donald Penn, Menelik Watson, Matt McCants

Nothing new to report, other than our tackles looked good once again. Donald Penn has really impressed.

Guards/Centers (5): Stefan Wisniewski, Austin Howard, Gabe Jackson, Khalif Barnes, Kevin Boothe

Based on Friday's game, we may want to rethink our offensive line and go with the rare "T-T-T-G-T" formation. Gabe Jackson likely earns that coveted guard spot. Fortunately for the guys in question, no one really stunk worse than anyone else, so it looks like they're all safe.

Offense: 25 players

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Defensive End (5): Justin Tuck, Lamarr Woodley, Shelby Harris, Ryan Robinson, CJ Wilson

While most Raiders fans are complaining about Khalil Mack's lack of impact, the real concern is Lamarr Woodley. He's been completely invisible this preseason. It's tough to gauge the performance of a vet in preseason, where players of his ilk are notorious for going through the motions with a minimum of effort.

But defensive ends get rotated frequently, and if he doesn't step it up significantly, he could lose time to a very talented group of back-ups.

Defensive Tackle (4): Pat Sims, Antonio Smith, Justin Ellis, Stacey McGee

Not much to report.

Linebacker (6): Khalil Mack, Sio Moore, Nick Roach, Kaluka Maiava, Miles Burris, Kaelin Burnett

Seldom-seen Kaluka Maiava finally made an appearance in week two, and he did it in style. He lead the Raiders in tackles, including a nice clutch stop at the goal line. He's solidly on the team. Kaelin Burnett and the UDFAs didn't get the playing time to change the depth chart. Nick Roach did what he does best: defend the pass. He tallied a pass deflection and a sack.

Cornerback (6): Carlos Rogers, Chimdi Chekwa, TJ Carrie, Tarrell Brown, Taiwan Jones, Keith McGill

Time to panic? Maybe: this morning DJ Hayden was confirmed to begin the season on the PUP list (unable to return for the first six games of the season). The cornerback position has officially turned ugly, with the dreadful Tarrell Brown returning by default. He's arguably been the worst Raiders player in all of training camp from an expectations and performance standpoint.

Safety (4): Tyvon Branch, Charles Woodson, Usama Young, Larry Asante

Dowling is out after two consecutive bad performances. The guy has the look of a combine champion, and that isn't good enough. Larry Asante made a few blunders himself, but he acquitted himself better than Dowling, registering four tackles and one for a loss in last week's win.

Defense: 25 Players

Specialists (3): Sebastian Janikowski, Marquette King, Jon Condo

Don't hold your breath.

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The 53 took on a more veteran look, with Kaluka Maiava, Larry Asante and Carlos Rogers all moving up at the expense of younger players. Right now, Jeremy Stewart, Keith McGill, Kaelin Burnett, Jake Murphy, Ryan Robinson and a slew of WRs seem to be fighting for the last three roster spots. I'm giving a lot of thought towards keeping Robinson, Stewart and McGill, but a lot of that will depend on factors outside of game reps.