Via 247sports.com
The Las Vegas Raiders concluded the 2023 NFL Draft by signing 10 undrafted free agents, now down to nine with the release of Brock Martin. They added at key positions, and it’s not crazy to figure at least one and probably more of these undrafted players will join the eight members of their rookie class come September. Last year the Raiders kept four undrafted free agents on their opening day roster with defensive backs Isaiah Pola-Mao and Sam Webb making the cut along with linebackers Luke Masterson and Darien Butler. All but Butler would see a significant snap share, with Masterson even recording 60 tackles, five for loss, and a sack in seven starts over 17 games. Which Raiders undrafted free agent has the best chance to make the roster, and which others are likely headed to the practice squad?
1- McClendon Curtis, IOL, UT Chattanooga
Curtis has the clear-cut best odds, and it’s not only because of the $210,000 guaranteed the Raiders handed him but the simple need they have at the position that probably could see him start come the end of preseason, as I stated here. The Raiders like Curtis, and the 6-6, 324 pound guard is going to earn reps to make the roster. Curtis only allowed 20 pressures and four sacks in over 950 pass blocking snaps. Andre James, Dylan Parham, and Alex Bars are likely locks to make the roster and after that, it’s going to be a competition between Netane Muti, Jordan Meredith, Justin Murray and Curtis to find out which can solidify that third and fourth guard spot.
2- Drake Thomas, LB, NC State
The Raiders had a need at linebacker, and it didn’t really get addressed much. Currently, Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo and the aforementioned Luke Masterson are the projected starters. Sixth round pick Amari Burney is a lock as a backup, and after that, it’s a mess. Thomas is undersized and only a slightly above average athlete, but he’s productive and has a nose to make a play. The four-year starter is a high-quality run defender, racking up 292 tackles, 47 for loss, 19 sacks, four interceptions, and 144 stops for the Wolfpack. The Raiders are likely going to carry five linebackers and Thomas will be competing with Darien Butler, Curtis Bolton and Kana’i Mauga for that role, if he can show out on special teams, it’s hard to leave him off.
3- Adam Plant, UNLV
Plant is the hometown favorite, the 6-6, 260 defensive lineman posted an impressive 141 tackles, 29 for loss, 15 sacks, five forced fumbles, 60 pressures and 67 stops in only 29 games for the Rebels and TCU. Plant is an athletic player with significant violence and technique off the EDGE. What he lacks in power, he makes up for in twitch. The Raiders pass rush room is anchored by a top three of Maxx Crosby, Chandler Jones and Tyree Wilson. After that, Plant is fighting with former third round pick Malcolm Koonce, who hasn’t seen the field often, along with Jordan Willis and fellow UDFA George Tarlas. The Raiders are likely going to carry five EDGE rushers, which gives him a good chance to make the roster if he can beat out Koonce or Willis.
4- Dalton Wagner, OT, Arkansas
Wagner earned $240,000 guaranteed as a UDFA, a sign the Raiders value him highly. The 6-9, 330 pound right tackle allowed 10 sacks and 61 pressures over his career at Auburn while drawing 12 flags. Wagner is a massive figure with an athletic lower body. He’s obviously powerful, and it shows with his dominant run blocking, though he struggles in pass protection with controlling his pad level. The Raiders have a significant amount of tackle depth, with Jermaine Eluemunor and Kolton Miller as the starters. Thayer Munford is a lock to make the roster, and he’s followed by Justin Herron and Brandon Parker, both liked by the staff. If Eluemunor kicks into guard then a spot opens for Wagner to compete with Parker for the final tackle spot, his right tackle play comes into attention there.
5- Jaydon Grant, SAF, Oregon State
At this point, if a player is able to provide on special teams, then their chances are higher. The Oregon State secondary featured Rejzohn Wright and Alex Austin, but Grant was arguably the most important piece controlling backend protection. He’s not an outstanding athlete, but he has fluid hips, a strong backpedal and good COD skills. He’s a ball hawk and in five years posted 223 tackles, 11 for loss, 10 interceptions, 19 breakups, five forced fumbles and allowed an 86.7 QBR on 183 targets. Grant played all around the secondary with 1,385 snaps in the slot, 567 at free safety and 451 at box safety. Grant also posted 450 special teams snaps, with 28 recorded tackles. The Raiders safety room is four deep with Trevon Moehrig, Chris Smith, Marcus Epps and Isaiah Pola-Mao. He’ll have to beat out Jaquan Johnson and Rod Teamer, especially on special teams, to make the team.
6- John Samuel Shenker, TE, Auburn
Shenker wasn’t used often as a receiver at Auburn but really showcased his blocking skills, posting 5.3 yards per carry as a lead blocker. He hauled in an additional 68 receptions for 779 yards and nine touchdowns in 34 games. He’s a powerful player with a solid route runner and good speed deep. Shenker plays physically, especially as a blocker and is willing to do the dirty work. It’s reported he will also compete at fullback with Jakob Johnson, where his chances increase to around the four spot. Austin Hooper and Michael Mayer are locks, OJ Howard is nearly a lock for his blocking. If the Raiders carry four tight ends, Shenker will need to beat out Jesper Horsted and fellow blocking star Cole Fotheringham, he’s likely a practice squad player in year one.
7- Jordan Perryman, CB, Washington
Perryman is quick, and his best bet to make the roster is as a special teams gunner, especially with his 4.31 speed. He struggles in zone coverage and can lack the ball skills deep downfield. Perryman is iffy in run support, but he’s a fluid athlete with exceptional tackling. At Washington, he posted 145 tackles, 19 for loss, four interceptions, 29 breakups, and 40 stops while allowing 1,074 yards and an 81.3 QBR off 161 targets. The Raiders corner room is deep with proven players and Perryman will need to showcase his special teams skills where he posted 235 snaps and 11 tackles at Washington, including a career 78.2 grade.
8- George Tarlas, EDGE, Boise State
Tarlas was a talented player at Weber State, posting 121 tackles, 28 for loss, 19 sacks, two interceptions and nine forced fumbles. He’s only 6-3, 253 and in his one year at Boise State posted four sacks, 17 stops and 25 pressures. Tarlas has intriguing athletic traits but will need to refine his pass rush skills in order to make an impact, he’s going to require a ton of muscle as well as he won simply off speed and bend in college. Tarlas is going to be on the bottom looking up for the Raiders EDGE room, which mentioned is deep. He has the potential for a potential depth option, but he’s going to need a year to develop.
9- Azizi Hearn, CB, UCLA
Hearn was an interesting signing, at UCLA the 22-year-old allowed 1,084 yards, six touchdowns, and 99 receptions off 171 targets while adding only one interception and 22 breakups in 50 games. He’s 6-4, 206 and does add some notable size to the secondary, especially if he can refine his lower body technique with coaching. Hearn struggles off double man moves and will consistently find himself flat-footed. However, he does make an impact on special teams with 275 career snaps and 11 tackles, including a blocked kick. Hearn will contribute on special teams during preseason, but likely is a practice squad player to start.
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