Tag: Jalen Guyton

5 takeaways from Raiders 53-man roster

We have the Raiders initial 53-man roster. And with it there are some interesting observations. Let’s look into a few of those which stood out to me.

We have the Raiders initial 53-man roster. And with it there are some interesting observations. Let’s look into a few of those which stood out to me.

Some teams have opted to carry three quarterbacks on the roster. Others have gone with just two, essentially placing their third quarterback on the practice squad. The Raiders chose the latter. Most likely they will bring back either Carter Bradley or Nathan Peterman to be that third QB. But if another QB comes available they like, who knows.

Kristian Wilkerson seemed like a shoo-in to make the Raiders roster. But he and Jalen Guyton were both cut in favor of a couple young players who showed a lot of potential. Tyreik McAllister showed elite speed and kick return abilities while undrafted rookie Ramel Keyton showed great skills and length as a receiver. We will wait to see if they are both still on the roster after whomever the Raiders add off waivers, but they are here now over Wilkerson and Guyton, and that says a lot.

Nine offensive linemen are on the Raiders squad. Almost all of them play multiple positions. Cody Whitehair, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Dyland Parham can all play both center and guard. Andrus Peat can play guard and tackle. And Thayer Munford and DJ Glaze can play either tackle spot in a pinch.

Seven linebackers is a lot. Like a LOT lot. Mainly because we aren’t in the age of a middle linebacker and two outside linebackers any more. In most cases there will be just two linebackers on the field at any given time. So, at most five linebackers is needed. My hunch is one or two of them will be headed for IR with designation to return and perhaps one waived with the hope for a return to the practice squad. If it’s IR, then Tommy Eichenberg and/or Amari Burney would be the likely candidates as both got banged up this preseason.

Did I mention there are SEVEN linebackers? That will not stay that way. See the above for how that could go down. There’s also five defensive tackles and six cornerbacks despite Antonio Pierce’s displeasure with the preseason performances by the depth at both positions.

The two DT’s who made it on the end of the roster are last year’s draft picks Byron Young and Nesta Jade Silvera. Likewise both rookie cornerbacks made it along with Brandon Facyson who can’t seem to get healthy, making for another candidate for temporary IR.

So, you can see several positions that could see moves made as the team welcomes a few waiver claims.

Raiders keep CFL star and undrafted rookie WR on 53-man roster over two established veterans

Raiders keep CFL star and undrafted rookie WR on 53-man roster over two established veterans

One of the more shocking moves the Raiders made today was to cut Kristian Wilkerson. They also cut Jalen Guyton, making for two veteran receivers let go in favor of young hopefuls.

Making the Raiders initial 53-man roster instead are undrafted rookie Ramel Keyton and former CFL return specialist Tyreik McAllister.

Both players flashed in camp. With McAllister blowing everyone away in the final preseason game with an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown and a savvy touchdown catch.

Keyton had a few nice plays late in that game, showing the instincts and physical gifts he had displayed in the team’s scrimmage in camp.

In the end, the Raiders saw the two youngsters as too valuable to cut. Or at very least too risky to put on waivers in the hopes of getting either of them back on the practice squad.

Keyton showed talent that can be developed while McAllister showed return abilities that can be utilized right away.

There is still the question of what the Raiders do on the waiver wire. But for now, these two have broken through onto the roster, beating out two established veterans to do it.

10 veterans and returning Raiders firmly on roster bubble

There are a lot of new faces in Raiders camp this year. And with new faces comes new competition to beat out familiar faces. Likewise there are a few veteran players on this team who could see their jobs taken by new blood. These are the ten …

There are a lot of new faces in Raiders camp this year. And with new faces comes new competition to beat out familiar faces. Likewise there are a few veteran players on this team who could see their jobs taken by new blood.

These are the ten returning Raiders and veterans most in danger of being on the outside looking in come roster cutdown day.

This eight-year veteran backup is only here because he’s familiar with Luke Getsy’s system. That only goes so far though. The team could very decide to keep only two quarterbacks on the active roster. And it wouldn’t take much for a more intriguing option to come available on the waiver wire.

Along with being injured through most of camp, this sixth year veteran just hasn’t looked special in his time on the field. Other than Tom Telesco knowing him from their time with the Chargers, Guyton doesn’t really offer anything invaluable to the team. They could be better off taking a chance on Tyreik McAllister or snagging a talented receiver on the waiver wire.

This sixth-year veteran appeared in one game for the Raiders last season. The Raiders would have to, first of all, keep four tight ends for him to stick. And second of all, he’d have to prove he is the best choice. And quite frankly Cole Fotheringham has looked better.

Meredith has been with the Raiders the past two seasons and appeared in 17 games last season. There is eight offensive lineman ahead of him, all of whom have a very good chance of making this roster. He is the one who will be sweating it out on Tuesday and probably Wednesday as well.

He appeared in just six games as a rookie, with no starts. Not exactly what you hope to get from a third round pick. He has admitted he had an attitude problem, which is commendable. But his level of play has not offered any indication that he has made a second year leap. He was on the field a lot in the finale, after which head coach Antonio Pierce was not at all pleased with the play of the interior line.

Nesta Jade Silvera was also in that 2023 class. He was selected in the seventh round. He was also on that line that was getting gashed on the ground against the 49ers. There has been an opening for someone to step up and be the fourth interior defensive lineman. Has he shown he can be that guy? I’m not sure he has.

Is it possible the Raiders could cut all three of these former drafted defensive tackles? Sure it is. Antonio Pierce made it clear that he will be looking to the waiver to try and improve the depth along the interior defensive line. There is a chance one of these three sticks on the initial 53, but it’s just as likely that will be a short stay in favor of a waiver claim.

This 2023 sixth round pick looked good at times this preseason. But he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Meanwhile undrated rookie Amari Gainer has looked great. If Burney doesn’t head for injured reserve, he may just lose out to Gainer.

Speaking of guys who can’t stay healthy. Facyson missed almost the entire 2023 season and now he’s been missing since early in camp. If the best ability is availability, the Raiders can’t hang onto him in the hopes that he can get healthy and stay that way. Either he heads to IR, or they give up on him and move on.

Smith has a fairly good chance of sticking around. But he’s down the depth chart far enough that he is in some danger here. The Raiders selected the Jim Thorpe Award winner Trey Taylor in this past draft, so you’d figure they’d like to hold onto him, making Smith potentially the fifth safety, providing they keep that many safeties on the initial 53.

See my full Raiders 53-man roster prediction

Raiders winners and losers in 24-24 preseason tie vs. 49ers

The Raiders closed the preseason with a tie, even though Las Vegas played its reserves against 49ers starters. Who stood out the most?

The Raiders preseason finally came to a close on Friday night in a 24-24 tie against the 49ers in Las Vegas, as coach Antonio Pierce sat his starters while the 49ers played many of their stars, including quarterback Brock Purdy. Still, the Raiders’ reserves held their own, especially on defense.

The Las Vegas offense was without its top two quarterbacks and struggled early, but the Raiders’ special teams had a big day. Tyreik McAllister took an 81-yard punt return to the house for the Raiders’ first score of the night, and he added a touchdown catch later in the game for good measure.

McAllister was easily the biggest winner of the night. Here are the rest of the players who stood out this week, for better or worse.

Winner: DE Janarius Robinson

Before we get to McAllister’s big day, defensive end Janarious Robinson deserves his due. He had a tackle for loss on the 49ers’ first drive, helping the Raiders hold the San Francisco starting offense to a field goal.

Robinson led a strong pass rush for Las Vegas and pressured Purdy into a second-quarter interception. He was a lock to make the roster coming into this game and his pass-rush ability provides key depth up front.

Winner: WR Tyreik McAllister

The Raiders have been looking for depth at wide receiver and McAllister made a statement on Friday night. A former star in the Canadian Football League, McAllister scored the Raiders first points of the night on an 81-yard punt return.

His touchdown catch was equally impressive, perhaps even more so. He made an athletic adjustment on a throw by QB Carter Bradley.

It’s hard to say whether McAllister will make the Raiders’ final cut. But his chances are certainly much higher after this performance.

Winner: DBs Sam Webb and Chris Smith II

The Raiders reserves had the last laugh against Purdy, who made his share of splash plays. On Purdy’s final snap of the game, pressure from Robinson forced a throw into tight coverage by Raiders cornerback Sam Webb. Webb tipped the ball in the air, and safety Chris Smith II was in perfect position to intercept the ball.

Winner: LB Amari Gainer

Linebacker Amari Gainer made his case to remain a Raider with his play on defense and special teams. He recorded an impressive special teams tackle early in the game and finished with more than 10 tackles on defense, including two tackles for loss. He had a late penalty for a hit to the head, but that hardly put a damper on his day.

Winner: WR Kristian Wilkerson

Though he didn’t have the day McAllister did, WR Kristian Wilkerson gave the Raiders brass more to think about on cut-down day with his touchdown grab from quarterback Nathan Peterman.

Loser: RB Dylan Laube

Rookie running back Dylan Laube got the starting nod on Friday and appeared primed for his breakout moment. For a minute, he did break out. But after several impressive plays, he was belted by a 49ers defender after a nice catch and run. He fumbled the football and didn’t see action at running back for the rest of the game.

Laube still got some touches on special teams, which probably helped sustain his confidence. He’ll need it if he wants to contribute to the Raiders offense this season.

Loser: WR Jalen Guyton

Wide receiver Jalen Guyton had to make an impact on Friday to make the roster, and while he had some key catches on the Raiders’ touchdown drive to close the first half, he was outdone by McAllister and Wilkerson.

This game was a reversal from the Raiders’ loss against the Cowboys last week when Las Vegas starters faced Dallas backups. The Raiders reserves responded, and now it’s time for coach Pierce and crew to shape their final roster. Soon enough, we’ll see what this Raiders team is really made of when they face the Chargers in Week 1.

5 Raiders Offensive Players to watch in Preseason finale vs 49ers

The final preseason game will be the battle of those trying to fight their way up the depth chart and fight their way onto the roster. In that spirit, keep an eye on these five players on the offensive side of the ball.

The final preseason game will be the battle of those trying to fight their way up the depth chart and fight their way onto the roster. In that spirit, keep an eye on these five players on the offensive side of the ball.

A few years ago, Peterman was that player on the Raiders who they just couldn’t quit. He spent nearly four years with the team as the most non-threatening backup ever. Just the way Derek Carr needed him to be. Hence why he joined Carr with the Saints this past offseason. But even they ended up releasing him.

Now he’s back, reuniting with Luke Getsy who was his OC in Chicago for two seasons. Could be see Peterman take the field to start this game? It’s possible. If Getsy thinks Peterman has acclimated to the team enough over the past couple weeks since he arrived. And, more importantly, has Peterman improved at all since the last we saw him suit up for the Raiders?

The rookie back has yet to live up to the training camp hype with his preseason play. Often times players step up in the games after not showing much in practice. Antonio Pierce has said that won’t impress him much. But you’d have to figure the other must be true as well. He needs to show up in the preseason too. Not just against his teammates when they’re no allowed to tackle him to the ground.

Turner has been turning heads in both practice and in games. Every play he makes, he earns more and more confidence that he can be a serious weapon in this offense as well as on special teams.

The former Chargers speedster came over because he played under Tom Telesco for four seasons. But he hasn’t shown much. First he was injured through much of camp and now he just hasn’t stood out. He needs to do something in this game if he wants to get off the roster bubble.

This could be the longest look we have gotten so far of Glaze at right tackle. Despite looking good in camp, it has continued to be Thayer Munford who has taken the field as the team’s starter through the first two preseason games.

Raiders sign former Chargers WR Jalen Guyton

Raiders sign former Chargers WR Jalen Guyton

Raiders GM Tom Telesco has brought a familiar face onboard in Las Vegas. Jalen Guyton, who played with the Chargers the past five seasons has been signed on in Las Vegas.

After not taking a wide receiver in last month’s draft, the Raiders have now signed two free agent wide receivers in the past week. Last Week they added former Cowboys WR Michael Gallup.

Adding some wide receiver help was crucial as they were woefully thin at the position. They had starters Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers along with second year man Tre Tucker and not a whole lot else. Giving both Guyton and Gallop a decent chance of cracking the roster.

Guyton’s best seasons came in 2020-21 when he put up a combined 59 catches for 959 yards and six touchdowns with 11 starts.

The last two seasons, however, he’s had just 12 combined catches for 153 yards and one touchdown. So, obviously, he will be hoping to revive his career with in Las Vegas.

Chargers 2024 offseason position preview: Wide receiver

Evaluating the Chargers’ wide receiver room entering the offseason.

The Chargers’ wide receiver room is at an inflection point in the 2024 offseason. The consequences of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams’ restructures from last season take effect now, with both having $30+ million cap hits in their final contract years.

It’s decision time in that regard. Allen is probably a safe bet to remain with the team. In theory, the Chargers can find a way to keep both if they want to with the league’s unprecedented cap spike. However, Williams will head into his age 30 season off of a torn ACL with a new regime that neither drafted nor extended him.

Outside of the big money duo at the top of the receiver room, Josh Palmer enters a contract year. The former third-round 2021 draft pick has been solid when healthy, but struggled with a knee injury last season that forced him to miss time on an extended IR stint.

Perhaps the biggest question mark outside of the ones mentioned above is 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston. Will a new brain trust believe in his future development and a second-year breakout for the former TCU star? Or will Joe Hortiz in company look to the draft to reshape their wide receiver room again with talent at the top of the draft?

In continuing our offseason position preview series, let’s turn to the wide receiver room entering the offseason.

Notes and observations from Day 1 2024 Senior Bowl practices

Notes and observations from Day 1 2024 Senior Bowl practices: Battles between the offensive and defensive lines impress right away

With the 2024 NFL draft on the horizon, the NFL world has gathered in Mobile, Ala. this week for the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl. Teams will be watching how some of the top draft-eligible players across the country perform as they compete against each other in practices leading up to the all-star game.

The first day of practices are always interesting. Players and coaches are just getting to know each other, so it’s more of a light practice. Here is our notebook for the day from both the National and American Team practices:

5 pending free agents the Chargers should not re-sign

Here’s a quick list of players the Chargers should let walk.

The Chargers are in the hunt for a new general manager and head coach as they transition into 2024, but the calendar will soon turn toward free agency. The soon-to-be-hired leadership will have some tough decisions to make on their roster with several key internal free agents.

Los Angeles will enter March with just over two dozen free agents that have the potential to hit the open market. However, for the sake of this exercise, I’ve decided to remove the lower-cost restricted and exclusive rights free agents to focus on the unrestricted class.

To make the necessary improvements on their roster, there are some Chargers that just have to be moved on from in the long term.

RB Austin Ekeler

Ekeler is one of the longest-tenured Chargers who has been with the team since signing in 2017 as an undrafted free agent. He’s had an incredibly productive career in usage, with over 8,000 scrimmage yards on 1,430 touches in that span.

But with that aforementioned production comes miles. Ekeler will be 29 when the 2024 season starts. Unfortunately, this past season was one of his least efficient campaigns. He averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry. He finished with just seven explosive runs over 10+ yards, a mark that tied the lowest single-season figure in his seven seasons.

He won’t be too expensive on the open market, considering the down year in 2023. But it’s time for the Chargers to rebuild the running back room from the ground up with the impending free agency periods for Ekeler and Joshua Kelley. Ekeler is clearly on the decline as he approaches his 30s and Los Angeles needs explosive players more than safety valves.

CB Michael Davis

Perhaps no Charger embodies hot and cold streaks as much as Davis does. In 2020 and 2022, Davis had quasi-shutdown years in coverage that gave LA hope for long-term production. But his 2021 and 2023 campaigns featured a lot of inconsistent play and coverage mistakes. Davis even got benched by Brandon Staley and the defensive staff at times.

Like Ekeler, Davis will be 29 when the 2024 campaign starts. Cornerbacks tend to have shorter primes. Last season, Davis allowed the highest target reception percentage, total yards, and opposing quarterback passer rating of his career.

Asante Samuel Jr. will be going into a contract year. Outside of him, the Chargers have no true starting corners on the roster right now. Still, it’s time to blow up the initial Staley plan that involved J.C. Jackson and a now struggling Davis in favor of a new vision.

DT Austin Johnson

Johnson’s two years with the Chargers are defined by a knee injury he suffered against the Falcons in 2022. It would end his season prematurely while he was playing pretty well. Johnson was fifth in run stop percentage among defensive tackles at the time of his injury.

Unfortunately, Johnson never quite rebounded to the same level of play in 2023. He finished the season with the lowest Pro Football Focus defensive grade of his career, with 20 fewer run stops than his 2021 Giants season.

After parting ways with Sebastian Joseph-Day towards the end of the year, it seems the Chargers are headed towards a full-scale rebuild in the defensive tackle room. It’s a unit that could probably use a fresh start.

LB Kenneth Murray

By declining to pick up Murray’s fifth-year option last April, the Chargers essentially let us know where they stood with him. There’s not much more to it than that.

To be fair, Murray had a decent season by his standards. He was fitting runs better as a linebacker and improved as a tackler by most metrics paired with film.

That said, there’s a glaring weakness in Murray’s game that will likely always be an issue. Murray and Eric Kendricks were picked apart by opposing quarterbacks consistently in pass coverage. The former first-round pick out of Oklahoma allowed 56 receptions for 660 yards. Murray gave up 245 more passing yards than his 2020 season despite playing fewer coverage snaps.

Maybe there’s an argument to bring back Murray as a rotational piece, considering his improvement as a tackler. Still, he’s just not a starting linebacker in the modern NFL as a liability in coverage.

WR Jalen Guyton

Guyton was never not a one-trick pony in the league. However, his 4.3 straight-line speed combined with Justin Herbert’s cannon of an arm made him a viable threat early in his career.

His torn ACL early in the season against Jacksonville in 2022 has changed his career trajectory. Guyton missed about half of the 2023 campaign due to his recovery and when he returned, he never looked like the same player athletically.

Despite an injured Chargers’ wide receiver room that was practically begging for someone to step up and contribute, Guyton finished with ten receptions for 89 yards in eight games. He registered the lowest yards per route run mark of his career at 0.5 if one would want to look at target efficiency.

The one-dimensional nature of Guyton’s game got exposed due to him not having that same level of souped-up track star speed. As a result, I’m not seeing much of a purpose for an aging version of him potentially returning to the Chargers.

Chargers WRs Keenan Allen, Joshua Palmer ruled out vs. Broncos

The Chargers will be without their top wideouts.

The Chargers will be without their top wide receivers as Keenan Allen and Joshua Palmer were ruled out for this Sunday’s contest against the Broncos.

Allen nor Palmer logged a single practice this past week, as they’re dealing with a heel injury and concussion, respectively.

Allen has missed the last three games with this injury. Before being sidelined, he was nearing career-high numbers, currently with 108 receptions, 1,243 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Palmer sustained a knee injury that kept him out for over a month. Upon returning, he came on strong in the absence of Allen, recording nine catches for 160 yards and a score in the last two games.

In nine games, Palmer has 32 receptions for 537 yards (16.8 yards per reception) and two scores.

With Allen and Palmer out, rookie Quentin Johnston, Jalen Guyton and Alex Erickson will be the team’s top wideouts.

Edge defender Joey Bosa is also out for this weekend’s contest.

Linebacker Kenneth Murray, linebacker Tanner Muse and defensive tackle Nick Williams are doubtful.

Tight end Nick Vannett, guard Zion Johnson and cornerback Deane Leonard are questionable.