The Raiders are set to open training camp tomorrow, Tuesday, July 23rd to prepare for the upcoming 2024 season. In my opinion, this might be the best roster the Raiders have had in a long, long time. With a completely revamped coaching staff and some improvements to the already solid roster, there’s plenty of competition to go around. There’s more than a few intriguing position battles, but let’s take a look at the top three position battles to watch for.
3.) Linebacker
The Raiders have a very intriguing linebacker core. Some would say it’s the weakest link on the defense, but I’m not so sure about that. Even if so, that would be a good thing, because there’s a lot of super young, very talented players in the group. Led by veteran Robert Spillane, other than Spillane, I don’t believe anyone is solidified as of now as a starter. Divine Diablo had a career year last year, he had 106 tackles and four tackles for loss in 2023. Luke Masterson was solid last year as well and then you have Amari Burney and Darius Butler. Then you have Kana’i Mauga, who’s been on the practice squad since 2022, and played in five games last season. Like I said, a lot of young, hungry players and they will all be looking to solidify a roster spot, if not as a starter then still as a rotational depth piece or special teams weapon.
2.) Defensive Tackle
This one is a really good one, because ultimately, the Raiders could be considered one of, if not THE deepest defensive lines in the NFL this season. Starting with superstar Maxx Crosby, and on the other side of him you would assume would be Malcolm Koonce who had a breakout year last year. You also have second year player Tyree Wilson who really started to improve last year once he got healthy and comfortable. In the middle, at defensive tackle they brought back Adam Butler and John Jenkins from last season who were both very solid in their roles. Tyree Wilson could also play defensive tackle, last year he played and thrived in the position towards the end of the season. Byron Young and Nesta Jade Silvera are two young and talented players who could climb their way up the depth chart. Then you have Matthew Butler, Janarius Robinson, David Agoha and Marquan McCall. A very deep room, with a lot of young talent. It will definitely be fun to watch and see who can potentially make a name for themselves.
1.) Quarterback
The most important position in football, of course, is quarterback. And the Raiders have second year QB Aidan O’Connell as the presumable starter, but veteran QB Gardner Minshew is right behind him and looking to take the top spot as QB1. Aidan O’Connell did solid as a rookie who was thrown to the fire last year in a horrible situation. Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams has been a huge fan of him and supported him since day one. Gardner Minshew seems to be liked everywhere he’s been in the league, and overall he’s a solid QB. You also have Anthony Brown in the group behind Minshew, but chances of Brown starting are highly unlikely.
