Oakland Raiders: Practice squad hopefuls

By Philip Robinson III | Aug 31, 2017

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 12: Head coach Jack Del Rio of the Oakland Raiders points down field during the seond half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 20-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

A look at the Oakland Raiders as they enter their final 2017 preseason game and who they may look to keep on their practice squad

Playing in the NFL is a privilege and fulfillment of a lifelong dream. For many players a summer of optimism, throwing caution to the wind and daring to reach for a taste of stardom will end in disappointment. It is the cruel harsh reality of this league. To succeed at the highest level of football players must truly be in a league of extraordinary gentlemen. That doesn’t make the decision any less difficult for the Oakland Raiders and other 31 teams.

General managers league-wide now prepare to cut the excess from their 90-man preseason roster and down to the league mandated 53-man roster with an additional 10-man practice squad. Making the practice squad is a sign of good will from the team to a talented project in need of a bit more seasoning before being able to crack a 53-man roster.

My No. 1 hopeful for the Raiders practice squad this year, although I doubt he’ll make it to the practice squad, is Isaac Whitney. Whitney has been a standout every time he’s touched the field. Be it putting his body on the line and in position to lay down a block, or consistently using his 6-2 frame to block off defenders from the ball.

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With great size, good speed and a smoothness getting in and out of his route breaks, Whitney has appeared to check most of the boxes. Working against him is the sheer amount of depth the Raiders suddenly have at wide receiver.

Oni Omile, a practice squad player last year, may be a victim of offensive line depth as well. Many feel as though Omile had a good preseason and should make this team, but yet there are whispers that he may not make the main roster for the second year in a row. Luckily, demand for an interior lineman is at an all-time high, and if the Raiders choose to cut him, it’s very likely that he may end up with an AFC West opponent before he makes it back to the Raiders practice squad.

Lastly, in terms of hopefuls, LaTroy Lewis has been sensational this preseason. And to be frank, there shouldn’t be any scenario in which a team starving for defensive playmakers doesn’t add Lewis to the 53-man roster. But if for some reason the coaching staff or general manager should see fit to give the roster spot to another position of need (again couldn’t imagine what), Raider Nation can only hope that he makes it through the waiver wire period and safely to their practice squad.

Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Preseason Week 4

Not making the Raiders roster or practice squad may not signify the end of a lot of these players careers. Good preseason tape can breathe life into the cliche “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” And in football, there is no greater motivator than fighting for every inch with a boulder-sized chip on your shoulder.

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