Examining Raiders initial 53-man roster of 2017: More moves coming

With cuts announced, the Raiders have released their first 53-man roster of 2017. Here is what it looks like separated by position:

Numbers by positions group:

10 Offensive linemen

7 Defensive linemen

6 Cornerbacks

5 Safeties

5 Wide receivers

4 Linebackers

4 Running backs

3 Quarterbacks

3 Tight ends

3 Edge rushers

3 Specialists

Observations:

That’s a lot of offensive linemen. Usually teams carry 8-9 offensive linemen. Denver Kirkland is currently injured. He could still head to IR with return designation. Those players must be on the initial 53-man roster before they may be placed on that list.

11 defensive backs is also quite a bit. They play special teams a lot so it’s not unheard of. One of those DB’s is Keith McGill. He another player who could head to IR with designation to return.

In the end, with all the competition at wide receiver, there were no surprises. Replace free agent departure Andre Holmes with free agent addition Cordarrelle Patterson and otherwise the group is the same as it was last year.

You could say similar with running back and quarterback. Marshawn Lynch replaces Latavius Murray while EJ Manuel replaces Matt McGloin. Otherwise the two units are the same.

Three edge rushers is not going to cut it. Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin are one of the best combos in the league, but they need more than just James Cowser as depth. Mario Edwards Jr is listed as a DE, but he is not an edge rusher, he’s a run stopper who they hope can provide some interior pass rush.

This brings us to the linebacker position which has just four bodies. Jelani Jenkins was supposed to take one of the starting spots as the team’s lone veteran free agent addition, but he heads to injured reserve, ending his season before it began.

That leaves just 2nd year players Cory James, Tyrell Adams, and rookies Marquel Lee and Nicholas Morrow. Expect there to be some movement at the linebacker position, first on the waiver wire and perhaps more after that as well.

Eight of the Raiders’ nine drafted rookies made the team. Only seventh round pick RB Elijah Hood did not. You can bet they will attempt to get him on the practice squad.

Only one Undrafted rookie made the team this year — Nicholas Morrow — after several had made the team last year including Jalen Richard, Johnny Holton, Darius Latham, and Antonio Hamilton.

The practice squad can be up to ten players. It will begin to take form tomorrow once waived players go unclaimed.