Oakland Raiders: 3 Standouts from Preseason Week 2 vs. Cardinals

2. Ryan Grant, WR

Given how Hunter Renfrow performed throughout offseason workouts and then in training camp, most assumed that the vacant slot receiver role in the Raiders offense would ultimately fall to the Clemson product. However, Renfrow was shut out in his first preseason game and the managed two catches against the Cardinals. With his pedestrian showings, Ryan Grant has taken advantage.

Against Arizona on the opening Raiders offensive possession, Grant provided the exclamation point on the drive. The wide receiver found space in the open field and exploited it, hauling in his only target of the night and taking it into the end zone to really set the tone for the Oakland offense with the 13-yard touchdown reception.

Grant’s touchdown-scoring performance on Thursday night came after a strong effort in the first week of the preseason in the Rams. In that matchup, the former Redskin came up with three receptions on four targets for 32 yards.

Though it may not have been the case in training camp and though it’s hard to say how much stock coaches and decision-makers put into preseason games, Grant has been the superior performer among the potential slot receivers in this offense. If this is a trend that keeps up over the final two weeks of the preseason, he could well earn the job.