At the conclusion of the NFL Draft, teams scramble to sign players on their board that went undrafted. These undrafted players are seen as projects and/or depth signings for the organization. The majority of undrafted signees never make the final roster. However, there are always a few that end up having a respectable career in the NFL. With that in mind, here are a few of the Las Vegas Raiders undrafted signees to keep an eye on.
Las Vegas Raiders Undrafted Signees to Watch in 2021
Defensive Tackle Darius Stills
Darius Stills going undrafted was one of the bigger surprises in this year’s NFL Draft. He was the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2020. Stills also made the Big 12 All-Pro First Team for the last two seasons. As you can see, he has the accolades to back up an extremely productive college career at West Virginia. Nonetheless, Stills played primarily nose tackle in college; a role he is undersized for in the NFL.
Luckily for Stills, the Raiders’ interior defensive line has been abysmal. Add in the fact that last year’s starter, Maliek Collins, left in free agency, and you can see a clear path for Stills to make the roster. There are no Aaron Donald’s on this team, nor is there anything remotely similar. If there is one undrafted signee to bet on making the roster, Stills is the guy.
Tight End Matt Bushman
The retirement of Jason Witten leaves a depth role available at the tight end position. Matt Bushman has the perfect opportunity to fill said role. With Foster Moreau filling the backup role behind Darren Waller, that leaves at least one more tight end spot available. Even coming off an ACL injury, Bushman’s prototypical size, and above-average run-blocking ability, make him a prime candidate to make the final roster.
The other two individuals battling with Bushman for the third tight end spot are both unproven commodities. Neither Derek Carrier nor Nick Bowers has had any significant playing time in the NFL. Sadly, this means both are easily expendable in the eyes of the organization. A decent training camp, and preseason, performance may be all it takes for Bushman to earn his stay.
Wide Receiver Dillon Stoner
The first step to making the roster is getting noticed, and having an awesome name like Dillon Stoner is will certainly help in that regard. However, it will be an uphill battle for Stoner. This is all dependent on how many wide receivers the Raiders carry this year. If the Raiders decide to keep five of them, then Stoner will have to beat out Keelan Doss. He was also an undrafted free agent two seasons ago, and a Hard Knocks fan favorite. Doss has been able to hold on to the fifth receiver spot for the last two seasons. Like most undrafted signees though, he has failed to break through the proverbial glass ceiling. Is it possible that another undrafted free agent supplants Doss and finally becomes a contributor for the Raiders? If anyone has a shot to do it, it is Stoner.
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