There are few surprises on the Raiders’ final 2020 roster, especially on defense. One name, however, is quite unfamiliar.
Scanning the Raiders’ opening week roster, most of the names are familiar, even if some may be new to the club, such as linebacker Raekwon McMillan.
One name jumps out, however: Kendal Vickers. Who is this guy? A look at his profile on Pro Football Reference reveals his height, weight and little else. He’s recorded zero stats in the NFL.
For starters, he’s a defensive end out of the University of Tennessee, measuring 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds. He signed a free-agent deal with the Steelers in 2018 after going undrafted and spent time on the Titans’ practice squad.
And while he’s recorded zero NFL stats, he’s notched some numbers in the Canadian Football League. In 2019, Vickers had 12 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble for the Edmonton Eskimos, according to the Raiders’ official website.
After signing with the Raiders on Jan. 23, he earned his roster spot in part due to his versatility, according to general manager Mike Mayock
“Kendal had a great camp. He came in at about 290 pounds and when he came out of college a couple years ago, he ran in the 4.7’s and we know that [defensive line coach] Rod Marinelli loves defensive lineman that can run with quick feet,” Mayock told reporters on Sunday. “Vickers was a guy with great feet. So, we bring him in here and not only did he compete at a high level for every snap, but he did both inside and outside. So, I think he gets a little bit of inside-outside capability and because of that, it gave him a leg up on a roster spot.”
Coach Marinelli covets defensive lineman that can play both inside and on the edge, and that apparently helped Vickers’ chances. The Raiders’ brass considers competitiveness a vital attribute, and that also worked in Vickers’ favor.
The 4.7-second time in the 40-yard dash that Mayock mentions in intriguing. Though according to multiple sources online, Vickers’ 40-time at his pro day was roughly 5 seconds flat.
Vickers’ story is uplifting, but it’s surprising that the Raiders don’t have a better prospect in this roster slot. Defensive end is an important position in the NFL, and the Las Vegas defense is far from established.
Mayock had three 3rd round picks to address this vital area, for instance, but instead chose two playmakers (with one, Lynn Bowden Jr., no longer with the club) and a project in Tanner Muse, who will attempt to transition from safety to linebacker when he comes off the injured reserve list.
But Vickers’ current status isn’t set in stone. Far from it. The Raiders have shown they’re quick to move on from any player on the roster if it’s not working out as they’d hope. But for now, it appears Vickers will have an opportunity to let the world know exactly who he is on a team starved for defensive playmakers.
