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Raiders Mailbag: Answering your questions about the 53-man roster

Aug 28, 2024 at 04:00 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

Christopher Lowery from Florida asks:

"How would you evaluate Chris Smith II as of now and what do you think his impact could be this year?"

Chris Smith II was a productive player in college at Georgia and the same traits that got him drafted are showing.

Marcus Epps and Tre’von Moehrig are projected the see a majority of reps, but the Smith has impressed when his number is called. The second-year player appeared in 12 games as a rookie and could take on a bigger role on special teams. He proved to be one of the better gunners on the team throughout training camp, not to mention his interception in the preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers.

"It's always been an emphasis for me since I've been in college," Smith said of special teams. "I always take pride in being a special teamer, helping the team in anyway that I can. I always want to be able to contribute in any little way possible and that's what I try to do every day."

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Matt Tardino from Florida asks:

"What position groups do you think still need improvement?"

Head Coach Antonio Pierce has expressed his desire to add more depth and experience to the secondary.

The Silver and Black only carried four safeties onto the 53-man roster, not including rookie Trey Taylor who was placed on injured reserve. The cornerback room is also relatively young, losing a bit more experience Wednesday when Brandon Facyson was placed on injured reserve.

Tom Telesco and Pierce have already begun addressing that position group, claiming rookie safety Thomas Harper off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers. He received a 77 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus this preseason with two stops and a pass deflection. Additionally, they signed veteran cornerback Darnay Holmes who compiled 107 tackles (81 solo), four interceptions and 18 passes deflections in his four seasons with the New York Giants. Holmes is reunited with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who was in the same role with the Giants during the cornerback's first two seasons in the league.

Kellan Zimmerman from Nevada asks:

"Should I draft Zamir White in fantasy football this year?"

Kellan, I'm not sure if your fantasy football draft has already taken place, so I apologize if you no longer need my advice.

But if you haven't had your draft yet, or to anyone else who hasn't had their draft yet, go all in on Zamir White.

Yes, the running back room also consists of Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah who will get their fair share of reps. But Zeus is in the driver's seat in the backfield. It's a job he's earned in part to his strong finish to the 2023 season, and he hasn't let up since. He had an impressive training camp and averaged 4.6 yards a carry this preseason with a rushing touchdown.

"He always runs hard. He comes to work every day and doesn't say too much. He just goes out there and gets the job done in every single facet," said Chris Smith II, White's former teammate at Georgia and now with the Raiders. "Real down-to-earth guy, high character guy. He's pretty much the same from what I remember at UGA and the same great player as well."

Also a little more food for though, Luke Getsy has found success running the ball as an offensive coordinator. His former Chicago Bears offenses led the league in cumulative rushing yards from 2022-23, which could be another great sign for what's to come from White and his fantasy football upside.

Justin McGovney from California asks:

"I saw a couple of surprises that got waived like Charles Snowden. Are we confident we can get them back on the practice squad?"

Here's some good news for you, Justin. Charles Snowden signed to the practice squad Wednesday afternoon.

The defensive lineman had an impressive preseason, and his number could get called down the stretch. His 6-foot-7 frame has made him an imposing figure capable of swatting down multiple balls off the line of scrimmage.

Another few notable additions to the practice squad are Sincere McCormick, who led the team in rushing yards this preseason; Sam Webb, who has appeared in 18 career games; and UDFA quarterback Carter Bradley from South Alabama. For the full list, click here.

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.