Oakland Raiders: Projected 53-man depth chart for 2019 before OTAs

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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 16: Daniel Carlson #8 of the Oakland Raiders kicks a field goal during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Special Teams

Daniel Carlson (K), Johnny Townsend (P) Trent Sieg (LS) (3)
Surprises: None
Notable Omissions: Andrew Depaola

Last offseason, the Raiders signed Depaola to a four-year, $4.3 million deal, but he suffered a torn ACL in the regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. The Raiders signed Sieg to replace him for the year.

Depaola doesn’t play a physical position, but his recovery from a significant knee injury could cost him a roster spot. Sieg filled in adequately, and he’s a much cheaper option set to make $570,000 this upcoming season, per Spotrac. Oakland doesn’t owe Depaola any dead money for the remaining three years of his deal, per Spotrac.

The Raiders selected Townsend in the fifth round of last year’s draft, but he’s going to face competition for his spot in the summer.

Last offseason, Townsend and kicker Eddy Pineiro came into the year as a pair; they played together at Florida. The latter suffered a groin injury and landed on injured reserve. The former had a rough rookie term, listing 31st in average yards per punt (43.2).

In 2018, Mike Nugent and Matthew McCrane kicked for three games apiece, but Carlson took over in the last 10 contests, converting on 16-of-17 field-goal attempts. He was perfect on extra points (18-of-18). The 2018 fifth-rounder may have found a home in Oakland after an inconsistent start to his career with the Minnesota Vikings.

Cole, an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina State, has a winnable battle with Townsend despite the difference in draft status. As the Raiders rebuild their defense, it’s important to drive the ball downfield and force offenses to put together longer drives for scores.

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Townsend didn’t show much power in his leg and pinned teams inside the 20-yard line 17 times, which ranked 28th in the league last year. Cole had the same issues at North Carolina State, though. He averaged 42.2 yards per punt over four terms.

The Raiders starting punter may not be on the current roster. The team will likely sign another veteran who wins the job during the preseason.

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