Two Raiders can sneak their way onto 53-man roster

Throughout training camp and the preseason, the Las Vegas Raiders have seen several players pop up on their radar.

Names like Cam Miller, Jamal Adams and Chris Smith were not roster locks by any means heading into training camp. However, their efforts have caused Pete Carroll and his coaching staff to take notice. With one more preseason game to go on S aturday against the Arizona Cardinals, these three players have likely put themselves on the right side of the roster bubble.

The preseason has provided the same level of excitement, and two players may have punched their tickets to the 53-man roster as a result.

These two Raiders are making a case to remain with the team.

In his list of Raiders that could make the 53-man roster, The Sporting News’ Mike Moraitis  mentioned wide receiver Shedrick Jackson and offensive guard Laki Tasi as options.

“The great-nephew of Bo Jackson, Shedrick Jackson entered training camp without much fanfare but has been one of the biggest standouts for the Raiders through two preseason games,” wrote Moraitis.

Jackson’s chemistry with Miller has been one of the more impressive storylines of the preseason, allowing both players to shine. While the Raiders have four or five receivers already locked into roster spots, Jackson is making a strong case for one himself. At the very least, Jackson should be a lock for the practice squad if he passes through waivers.

Tasi, on the other hand, is a more interesting case due to his amazing preseason play.

“Tasi’s preseason debut saw him register stellar Pro Football Focus grades of 78.5 in pass-blocking and 79.6 in run-blocking and he didn’t surrender a single pressure over his 17 snaps,” wrote Moraitis.

“In preseason Week 2, Tasi once again posted a zero in the pressures column and finished with a 78.7 pass-blocking grade in 12 snaps.”

Signed by the Raiders as part of the International Player Pathway Program, Tasi was seen as a project player who would be stashed on the practice squad due to him not counting against the 16-player limit.

However, Tasi has taken the transition to football better than anticipated. Suddenly, there is a real risk that another team might snatch him up if the Raiders place him on waivers. In a league where teams are always looking for depth on the offensive line, the Raiders could choose to protect Tasi by keeping him on the roster.

Jackson and Tasi have both been pleasant surprises for the Raiders this preseason, and roster spots could very well be in their future with a strong finale against Arizona.