Raiders Predicted to Cut Former Pro Bowler Before Start of Season

The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot of interesting names in their linebacker room currently. Jaylon Smith, Devin White and Jamal Adams are all former Pro Bowlers who are trying to rejuvenate their careers, while Elandon Roberts and Germaine Pratt are solid, but consistent, veterans.

Not all these guys are going to make the roster, and there's one name that stands out as a possible odd man out.

Jaylon Smith Expected to Get Cut

White has worked with general manager John Spytek in the past, while Adams has a history with Pete Carroll, so that will help them keep roster spots. Roberts appears to be locked in as a starter, and Pratt should make the roster, as well.

While Smith has ties to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, he hasn't been an impact player in a few years. That's why Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report believes that Smith will ultimately get cut.

"But the reality is that while Jaylon Smith may once have been a big deal, the 30-year-old never had much of a chance to make the team," Davenport wrote. "It’s an awful story—and an object lesson in why so many collegiate players now skip bowl games. The gruesome knee injury Smith had in his last game at Notre Dame altered the entire trajectory of his career, and while he did get a big second contract from the Dallas Cowboys, two years after signing that deal he was visibly slower and out of Dallas.

"Smith just isn't an NFL-caliber linebacker anymore. And truthfully, he hasn't been for some time."