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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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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders and tight end Lee Smith #86 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders and tight end Lee Smith #86 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Tight Ends: Jared Cook, Lee Smith, Derek Carrier (3)

Tight end Jared Cook surprised Gruden with his speed, per NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Scott Bair. “I didn’t know he could move like that,” Gruden said. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if the 10th-year veteran lines up as an oversized wideout in some formations.

The Raiders signed Lee Smith to a fresh three-year deal. Gruden enjoys a good blocking tight end who can seal the edge. Of course, the 30-year-old can catch the ball, but that’s what Cook will do for this offense at the position.

Oakland signed Derek Carrier to a three-year deal as well. He’s another tight end primarily known for blocking and special teams play. The 27-year old spent two seasons with Gruden’s brother, Jay, in Washington between the 2015-16 terms. He also played under “Chucky’s” protégé Sean McVay in Los Angeles last year.

There’s a good bet both head coaches had glowing reviews to share with Gruden.

Keep an eye on undrafted free agent tight end Marcus Baugh out of Ohio State. He racked up 304 receiving yards and five touchdowns during his senior year on campus. If he can show blocking potential, he’s a possible practice squad stash. Pharaoh Brown may also flash as a solid receiver and eventual heir to Cook’s position.

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