(L-R) Jackson Mitchell #49, Trevin Wallace #56, and Michael Barrett #41 of the Carolina Panthers
As the Las Vegas Raiders approach the final stretch of the preseason, the starting linebacker positions appear locked in with Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo leading the charge. However, questions linger about the depth behind them, especially following a recent roster move.
On August 17, the Raiders claimed rookie linebacker Jackson Mitchell off waivers, adding an intriguing prospect to their roster. Mitchell, who initially signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent, was recently let go by the team. The former UConn standout brings a solid college resume to Las Vegas, having posted over 100 combined tackles in three of his four seasons, along with 25.0 tackles for loss.
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Mitchell’s college production demonstrates his knack for finding the football, but his 4.85-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day raises concerns about his speed at the NFL level. While he may struggle to keep up with the demands of an NFL linebacker, Mitchell could carve out a niche as a special teams contributor and short-yardage defender. With the Raiders evaluating their roster ahead of the regular season, Mitchell will have an opportunity to prove his worth in the coming weeks.
However, securing a roster spot will be no easy task for Mitchell. He faces stiff competition from Luke Masterson and rookie Tommy Eichenberg, both of whom have impressed during the preseason. Mitchell’s best path to sticking with the team likely lies in making himself indispensable on special teams.
Maxx Crosby Offers Guidance to Roster Hopefuls
With the August 27 deadline to trim the roster from 90 to 53 players rapidly approaching, time is running out for those on the fringe to make their case. Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, a former fourth-round pick who has become a cornerstone of the team, shared some valuable advice for players fighting to secure a spot.
“Dominating the little details, and that is going to lead to bigger things,” Crosby said during a recent media session. “So I just try to preach that to the young guys. Just focus on your technique and focus on what you need to focus on. Not having your eyes in the backfield as a defensive end. It sounds so simple, but is something that a lot of guys struggle with, especially early on in their careers.”
Crosby emphasized the importance of getting the fundamentals right—technique, pad level, and timing—all of which can lead to big plays on the field. He encouraged players not to chase plays but to let their disciplined approach guide them to success.
Starters’ Status in Final Preseason Game Uncertain
The Raiders’ final preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers is just around the corner, and it remains unclear how much playing time the starters will see. In their previous game against the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas kept its starters on the field for the entire first half.
With the recent decision to name Gardner Minshew as the starting quarterback, the Raiders might opt to rest their key players in the final tune-up before the regular season. Star players like Davante Adams, Maxx Crosby, and Christian Wilkins could be among those held out, preserving them for the long grind ahead.
As the Raiders continue to fine-tune their roster, the next few weeks will be crucial for players like Jackson Mitchell who are eager to make a lasting impression. The team’s final decisions will soon come into focus as the regular season looms on the horizon.
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