There were a few people who were surprised to see Marcell Ateman among the players who were cut in the second wave this week. The former seventh round pick has hung around the Raiders roster and practice squad the past three years and was coming off a solid performance in the team’s second preseason game.
The thing is, though, it doesn’t really matter whether Ateman was cut now or in the final wave. He was going to have a tough time cracking this roster regardless.
“There’s great competition at the wide receiver position,” said Raiders OC Greg Olson. “That’ll probably be the most difficult decision, will be making the cuts at the wide receiver position.”
The group is not supremely talented. There are many question marks. But it’s deep. And the top four spots are spoken for, leaving one or two spots left.
Those expected to make the roster for sure are Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards, Hunter Renfrow, and John Brown. Next up is probably Zay Jones who has stood out this camp and preseason. If they keep only five, that’s the most likely group.
If they keep six receivers, Willie Snead would seem to have a good chance as the next man up in the slot, but I wouldn’t say I’m overly confident in that. He hasn’t made himself indispensable, leaving the door open for the team to possibly choose an unknown with potential instead.
Rounding out the roster are Keelan Doss, DJ Turner, and Dillon Stoner. All of whom have shown up for the team. Doss and Turner shined in the first preseason game and Stoner has shown some potential in practice as a project.
Regardless, there will be at least one tough decision that has to be made.