Oakland Raiders: 3 Veterans on the roster bubble in 2019 training camp

DT Eddie Vanderdoes

We haven’t seen defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes on the field since the 2017 season finale against the Chargers. He suffered a torn ACL in that outing — the second time since 2015 dating back his days at UCLA.

Following the first ACL tear, Vanderdoes’ explosiveness took a hit. He didn’t have a consistent showing during his senior year, but the Raiders took him in the third round of the draft to bolster their defensive line.

Vanderdoes started 13 of 16 contests during his rookie term but provided minimal impact up front, logging 13 solo tackles, two for loss. After his second ACL tear, head coach Jon Gruden wants to see how he responds, per Matt Schneidman of the San Jose Mercury:

The Raiders may not have All-Pros or Pro Bowlers on the defensive line, but that’s the deepest group on their roster.

Last year, Oakland drafted P.J. Hall and Maurice Hurst in the second and fifth rounds, respectively. The front office re-signed Johnathan Hankins to a two-year deal. Justin Ellis will return after missing 10 games with sprained ligaments in his foot. Although Josh Mauro lists as a defensive end, he’s 6-6, 290 pounds and may shift inside for the nickel defense.

With the current group in place, Vanderdoes doesn’t have much margin for error. If he’s delayed in his recovery or shows few flashes through the preseason, the Raiders will probably waive him — two years after entering the league — another McKenzie draft pick possibly out the door.