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Oakland Raiders: 53-Man roster projections after minicamp

By Maurice Moton

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 20: Defensive end Mario Jr. Edwards #97 of the Oakland Raiders stretches before a game against the Green Bay Packers on December 20, 2015 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Packers won 30-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 20: Defensive end Mario Jr. Edwards #97 of the Oakland Raiders stretches before a game against the Green Bay Packers on December 20, 2015 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Packers won 30-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 31: Joey Bosa #99 of the Los Angeles Chargers tackles Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter of the game at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 31: Joey Bosa #99 of the Los Angeles Chargers tackles Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter of the game at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Running Backs/Fullback: Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin, Jalen Richard/Keith Smith (4)

Notable Omission: DeAndre Washington

Running back Marshawn Lynch lists as a lock for the 53-man depth chart. He reunites with offensive line coach Tom Cable. The two hope to recreate the magic experienced during the Seattle Seahawks two Super Bowl runs — one ending in a victory.

Doug Martin started his training camp on a strong note. Don’t write the 29-year old off as a veteran cut. He flashed quickness without pads. Nonetheless, the All-Pro ball-carrier went to two Pro Bowls after rushing for 1,400-plus yards in 2012 and 2015. Do you see the pattern? The Muscle Hamster brings his best every three years, next up 2018.

Keith Smith saw some action during OTAs as a receiver:

Spider 2 Y Banana in full effect. Secondly, Gruden loves utilizing the forgotten fullback position. It’s one of the first things he asked about during his introductory press conference. “Do we have a fullback?” Well, he made sure to sign one who fits his vision.

Here’s where the competition costs someone a job. Martin, DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard share similar skill sets as ball-carriers. If Martin continues to turn heads, he’s going to share the bulk of rush attempts with Lynch. The duo won’t leave much room for Washington and Richard as well as Smith handling a few touches.

Right now, give the edge to Richard since he’s produced more than Washington on the ground and as a receiver. In yards from scrimmage, the 2016 undrafted pickup holds a 1,216-932 edge over the 2016 fifth-rounder.

Richard must work on fielding kicks on special teams, though. He struggled with ball security in that area. It’s one aspect that could put him on the trade or chopping block rather than Washington.

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