Withe the unveiling of the intermediate depth chart yesterday, the Oakland Raiders announced to the team and the media who has moved up and who has moved down the depth chart.
In a very bold move, they released these details on their website: Complete List HERE
Some new names are making their ways up the list while others, like Darius Heyward-Bey, seem to be entrenched although they have barely practiced.
So, here is a look at some names that may move up or down after Thursday Night
Sterling Moore – DB – UDRFA – SMU: Originally from Oakland, Sterling looked up to Charles Woodson as a young football player. After attending Laney College, Moore transferred to SMU. Out of the entire Undrafted Rookie Free Agent Class, Moore has stood up the tallest, although he is probably only five-foot-ten.
In practice, he has shown an exceptional nose for the ball, intercepting two passes, and has been better in coverage than anyone not named CJ or Routt. he is the perfect size to play nickle and dime in this League and his play on Thursday may begin his ascent past Walter McFadden and Jeremy Ware and Joe Porter. It may come down to special team performance in deciding who will be in the last 5-6 corners kept on the roster.
Nick Miller – WR – Oakland Raiders: There may not be one player on the team from last year who has more to lose or gain on Thursday than Nick Miller. he has admittedly had a sub par camp and there are some very talented players nipping at his heels.
Camp sensation, Denarius Moore, already fifth on the WR depth chart, has flown by Nick and the newly signed Derek Hagan is not leaving any room for Miller to drop any more passes. Also in the unfortunate camp for Miller is that he was out of practice yesterday and may not be available on Thursday.
Quentin Groves – OLB – Oakland Raiders: It is quite easy to say that there has not been an Oakland defender, rookie or otherwise who has had a worse camp than Quentin Groves. He has been laid out by a running back (McFadden), blown past ball carriers without touching them and continues to arm tackle the air on most plays.
Ben LaMaak – UDRFA – Iowa State: If there has been an under the radar flier in camp that landed in a high spot on the depth chart it is Ben LaMaak. Currently listed as the back-up LG may have a chance to make this team. It really depends on how he plays on special teams because you can be sure that Wiz will kick over to LG if he loses out on the starting C job.
Some of these questions will be answered on Thursday, but, I am sure that many of these stories will take the entire three weeks to play out before the initial wave of cuts.