Raiders Insider Podcast: Big Position Battles

In our latest episode of the Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast, we look at four big starting position battles on the OL, TE, DE, and S.

HENDERSON, Nev.--In our latest Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast episode, we look at four critical starting job battles as training camp is looming.

The Raiders have nearly transformed half of the potential 53-man roster, and that new-look roster will poise several critical battles for starting positions.

You can watch the entire podcast below: 

We specifically discuss the following battles:

*Alex Bars is your solidified OG, but the Las Vegas Raiders have brought in the steady and reliable veteran Greg Van Roten as a free agent.  Can Van Roten win the job?  Will he?

*The Josh McDaniels offense is predicated on a multiple tight end approach.  O.J. Howard has all the God-given skills to be excellent but has yet to prove that he can remain healthy.  Austin Hooper is an underrated tight end with the clear lead heading into training camp as the TE1.  Michael Mayer may have been the steal of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has all of the physical skills to be great, and based on his film from Notre Dame, he has the talent you can't overlook.

*We anticipate all three making the 53-man roster, but the battle is on for playing time.  Everyone expects Mayer to earn the TE1 spot, but how fast can he earn it?

*The Silver and Black have the best DE in the NFL in Maxx Crosby.  Chandler Jones is either a sure-fire Hall of Famer or at least on the cusp.  After a disappointing 2022, can he rebound and increase his production?  With Jones struggling in 2022, many people, myself included, felt like a young Malcolm Koonce should have gotten more reps.  If we see Jones struggle, can Koonce get more opportunities to shine?  Tyree Wilson was the Raiders' first-choice in the 2023 NFL Draft and is recovering from surgery.

*Trevon Moehrig had a terrific rookie season; however, under the McDaniels regime in his sophomore year, he took a step back.  Can he return to the success of his rookie season, or will he continue to go backward?  Rookie Chris Smith from the Georgia Bulldogs has star power, but can the rookie do it quickly, or does he reacquire time to develop?  Marcus Epps is a star, brought over from the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, and he is cemented as one of the two starters.  Jaquan Johnson was a free agent brought in to compete, and Roderic Teamer is a returning Raiders and in the fight.

*Of all of the safeties battling for the second-safety spot, who will win it?  We discuss it.

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