How the Raiders Improved With 3 Practice Squad Additions

A 25-year-old, former top-10 pick could be helpful for a team looking to add young upside. After the Giants cut offensive lineman Evan Neal, he worked out for the Raiders on Thursday. 

Neal was drafted seventh overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. But that is where the positive accolades stop. Neal only played in 29 games with the Giants and didn’t play a single snap last season. 

He called out the fans for booing in his second season in the league.

“Why would a lion concern himself with the opinion of a sheep? I genuinely don’t care,” Neal said. “Why should I? I’m in the National Football League. The person that’s commenting on my performance, what does he do? Flip hot dogs and hamburgers somewhere?”

Neal has moved from tackle to guard in his career as well, leaving a doubt as to what his best position actually is. 

Neal has been one of the bigger busts in recent draft history. But the Raiders could have him without any significant investment, and he could help one of the worst position groups on the team. If there is any talent left that led him to be a top-10 pick, Las Vegas could take a chance on reviving Neal’s career. 

Azeez Ojulari

The Raiders took another shot on a younger player that was taken high in the NFL Draft. Azeez Ojulari is 26 years old and was taken in the second round back in 2021.

Ojulari has struggled with injuries in his career. He has been placed on injured reserve in 3 of the 5 seasons he has played in the NFL.

But when he has played, Ojulari has been in the backfield. He racked up eight sacks in his rookie year. For his career, he has 22 sacks in 49 games. The Raiders third edge rusher, Malcolm Koonce, has 14.5 sacks in 56 career games.

Ojulari is already one of the most accomplished pass rushers with in the organization, even if he is just on the practice squad.

Ronnie Bell

The Raiders only have five wide receivers on the active roster. The group has not impressed head coach Klint Kubiak in the preseason. 

“We have to get a lot better, very fast,” Kubiak said of his wide receivers after the second preseason game. “We took a step backwards. Doesn’t mean we can’t go forward, but right now we are trying to find someone that is accountable and can help us on Sunday. Still looking.”

Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor appeared locked in as the top two wideouts. Jack Bech and Malik Benson are fighting for the third wide receiver role, and Dareke Young represents the depth. 

Second-year wide receiver Dont’e Thornton is currently on injured reserve, which presents the immediate need for another wideout. 

Ronnie Bell doesn’t have the previous draft capital or a notable career stat line. He did play 135 special teams snaps as a rookie, giving him the versatility that head coach Klint Kubiak wants for the end of this roster.