Oakland Raiders: What do Frostee Rucker, Ahtyba Rubin signings mean?
The Oakland Raiders signed defensive linemen Ahtyba Rubin and Frostee Rucker Monday. Will either make the 53-man roster in September?
The Oakland Raiders added, you guessed it, more talent older than 30 years old. In the grand scheme, it’s not a major deal, but it does mean something for the younger talents across the defensive line.
The Raiders signed Ahtyba Rubin, who played 162 snaps during the previous term with the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons. He appeared in 12 contests but didn’t start a game through the regular season for the first time since his rookie year in 2008 as a Cleveland Browns sixth-rounder.
At this stage in his career, the 31-year old fits into an interior run-stopping role behind Justin Ellis.
The Raiders may have also acquired the 10th-year veteran in case defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes starts the year on the physically unable to perform list or injured reserve as he recovers from an ACL tear.
Head coach Jon Gruden isn’t sure when the UCLA product will practice again:
Gruden says second-year DT Eddie Vanderdoes isn't practicing, doesn't know when he will again.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) June 12, 2018
The uncertainty on Vanderdoes’ return to the field creates a back-end roster need for a backup run-stuffer on early downs.
Oakland also signed Frostee Rucker, who spent five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals between the 2007-11 seasons. In the same period, Paul Guenther served as the linebackers and special teams coach under head coach Marvin Lewis.
The 34-year old started all 16 games for the Arizona Cardinals in the previous season and led the team’s 3-4 defensive ends in stops with 23, per Pro Football Focus Elite. He’s veteran insurance for Mario Edwards Jr., who’s missed 18 games over the past three seasons.
Will Ahtyba Rubin or Frostee Rucker Make the 53-Man Roster?
Oakland selected defensive tackles Maurice Hurst and P.J. Hall in Rounds 2 and 5 of the draft, respectively. Despite the addition of two rookie defensive tackles, a reliable run-stopper allows Guenther more options to match the opponent’s strengths on a week-to-week basis.
The veterans’ presence also furthers Gruden’s competitive theme for training camp. Treyvon Hester showed flashes during the previous season, but he must continue to show promise under the new coaching staff to maintain his role in the defensive line rotation.
Next: NFL Power Rankings 2018: Giants, Broncos on rise following NFL Draft
The Raiders have a deep group up front, so it’s far from a given that either veteran remains with the team through the entire offseason program.
Between the two acquisitions, who stands the best chance at making the final roster? The Broncos cut Rubin in October. The Falcons signed him days later, but the 31-year old provided minimal impact in 10 games with the team. Rucker’s 2017 performance indicates he still has more to offer. Expect him to push for a spot on the depth chart in September.