Cracking a NFL roster after going undrafted is a difficult feat to achieve, as players are truly working their way up from the bottom of the depth chart.
That is not to say it is impossible, however. The Las Vegas Raiders can attest to the value that keeping undrafted players around and developing them can provide. Just last season, three major contributors in running back Sincere McCormick, linebacker Amari Gainer and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao received the first regular season games of their careers, despite never hearing their names called on draft day.
With a strong training camp and a little luck, these three could make a splash during their rookie years.
Mello Dotson, CB
The secondary received only one draft pick with third-round cornerback Darien Porter, meaning that the position is still a bit lacking coming into the season.
The Raiders still have yet to find a true replacement for slot cornerback Nate Hobbs, and neither Jakorian Bennett or Eric Stokes jumps off the page as a true top cornerback. The situation could change if the team decides to sign Rasul Douglas or Asante Samuel Jr. in post-draft free agency, but there is still an opening for someone like Dotson to sneak in and be productive.
While Dotson does not have great long speed, he fits the other requirements head coach Pete Carroll desires in his defensive backs. He offers good size and length, as well as elite playmaking ability on the ball, as evidenced by his four career pick-sixes with the Kansas Jayhawks. He feels like a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s zone-heavy scheme, putting his in a strong position to be successful.
If he can string together some strong performances in training camp and the preseason, Dotson could see a quick climb up an unconvincing depth chart.
Jah Joyner, EDGE
The Raiders saw firsthand last season how important edge rushing depth was.
With Malcolm Koonce not even playing last season and Maxx Crosby missing a significant chunk of the year, the Raiders had to rely on the likes of K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Snowden to play significant roles. Chaisson has since gone off to the New England Patriots, and the new regime might not feel comfortable putting all of their eggs in the Tyree Wilson basket. As a fourth or even fifth edge rusher, Joyner has the chance to join the rotation.
A teammate of seventh-round linebacker Cody Lindenberg at the University of Minnesota, Joyner showcased his length and physical attributes as a one-year starter. Despite needing seasoning, draft analysts widely considered Joyner worthy of a selection, going as high as the fifth round. Talent like that rarely comes available in undrafted free agency, and the Raiders were quick to pounce on him as their first confirmed signing.
Joyner should be able to climb the depth chart quickly, and an impressive training camp could be enough to lock him into a roster spot.
Jailin Walker, LB
There are few positions on the Raiders right now that look as weak as linebacker does right now.
Elandon Roberts and Devin White replace last season’s starting duo of Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, but both have their struggles in coverage and White has not been a productive NFL starter since 2022. Unless Lindenberg or another young linebacker steps up, the Raiders could face serious issues in the middle of their defense. Therefore, someone with a skillset like Walker’s could get some leeway towards making the roster as another option.
A converted safety, Walker followed Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison to Bloomington in 2024. Walker has shown versatility and nice playmaking chops, and the increased level of competition did not faze him in the slightest. Even if the Raiders do not feel confident in him as a significant part of their defense, Walker has the makeup of a promising special teams player with the potential for more.
Walker offers a high floor as a player for the Raiders, and the ceiling could be higher than suggested, as well.
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