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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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NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Wide receiver Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders catches a pass against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) )
NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Wide receiver Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders catches a pass against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) ) /

Wide Receivers: Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, Martavis Bryant, Ryan Switzer, Marcell Ateman, Johnny Holton (6)

Notable Omission: Seth Roberts

Five spots at wide receiver seem secure. Wideout Jordy Nelson has more in the tank than most people think. He’s going to emerge as a pleasant surprise for the upcoming season. The Raiders traded for Martavis Bryant and Ryan Switzer then drafted Marcell Ateman in the seventh round.

Write the rookie’s name in pencil. He could flash as a talented red-zone threat, but the Oklahoma State product must show it at training camp. At this point, the sixth spot comes down to Johnny Holton and Seth Roberts. There’s no doubt the latter is the better overall wide receiver.

However, with all the roster additions, it’s downhill from here for Roberts’ trade value. Bryant and Switzer will significantly eat into his targets in the passing game.

After three seasons with 1,332 yards and 11 touchdowns, Roberts still holds some value as trade bait if necessary, especially after summer injuries. If the front office keeps him around and his numbers expectedly drop, the exchange wouldn’t return much. Trade him now coming off his third campaign as the primary slot receiver.

Holton averaged 20.9 yards per kick return at Cincinnati. He can become an explosive playmaker in space on special teams and offense. We saw glimpses with his deep touchdown catches last year. Roberts doesn’t offer the same upside fielding kicks and only logged 13 snaps on special teams as a Raider. The versatility gives Holton the edge.

According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, Oakland tried to execute a deal for Roberts during the draft, but it didn’t work out. They’ll likely revisit the idea before the regular season.

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