Key Undrafted Free Agents on Raiders Radar

Every year following the draft, teams sign a handful of undrafted free agents who may have slid off the draft board.

Not hearing their name called during the draft carries a burden among these players. Many of those players picked up reports to training camp with a chip on their shoulders, hoping they can prove doubters wrong and impress some coaches, to earn a spot on the roster hopefully.

In 2019, the Raiders signed 13 undrafted free agents leading up to training camp.

Surprisingly, two of those players earned starting roles on the 53-man roster, while five others were signed to the team throughout the season and continue to be on this year's team roster.

The most impactful of them all had to be fullback, Alex Ingold. Ingold's production on the field helped in the success of another fellow rookie, running back Josh Jacobs.

Punter AJ Cole was brought in during training camp to compete for the starting job. By preseason, Cole had taken the job from starting punter Johnny Townsend.

Offensive linemen Andre James, a teammate of former first-round pick Kolton Miller at UCLA, was brought in to help an already competent offensive line. His versatility was great when teammates went down because of injuries. James was able to come in and play center and guard.

Training camp standout wide receiver Keelan Doss was signed to the Raiders practice squad and later upgraded to a much-needed receiving unit that low in depth because of injuries.

Cornerback Keisean Nixon saw some action as well, as he played eight games and recorded 12 tackles. Offensive linemen Lester Cotton saw little action and cornerback Dylan Mabin saw no action last year.

Diamonds in the rough

Following this years' NFL draft, the Raiders added eight undrafted free agents to fill in its 90-man roster.

With the significant addition of free agents and players drafted in this year's NFL draft, there are only a few positions where undrafted free agents can make the roster or practice squad.

This year's signings include kicker Dominik Eberle and wide receiver George Mariner from Utah State, tight end Nick Bowers from Penn State, long snapper Liam McCullough from Ohio State, defensive linemen Mike Panasiuk from Michigan State, hybrid linebacker Javin White from UNLV and cornerback Madre Harper from Southern Illinois.

From those eight players, three seem to have a legitimate chance of making the roster and/or getting a spot in the practice squad.

Not only is he a local, Javin White also a versatile linebacker who can play safety and man up on the slot position. White left his mark at UNLV by ranking third in force fumbles and sixth in interceptions. His versatility helps his stock, as he can cover any player in the field.

Another defensive back who can contribute right away on special teams and hopefully in the secondary is Madre Harper. Harper played two years at Oklahoma State, where he was suspended and dismissed from the team, and would finish his college career at Southern Illinois. Harper has excellent technique and is a player who does not give up on plays, plus he brings toughness to the team.

Last is Mike Panasiuk, a key member on the defensive line at Michigan State, which ranked No. 1 in the FBS in rushing defense in 2018 and No. 2 in 2017. As the Raiders continue to face offensive powerhouses, they need for versatile defenders.

Stacking up on position players who have the potential to contribute right away or when their number is called is something general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden are looking to bring to the team.

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