LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Raiders aren’t wasting any time searching for additional roster depth ahead of the 2026 season. After working out 16 players Thursday, the Raiders signed three to their practice squad: offensive lineman Evan Neal, defensive end Azeez Ojulari and wide receiver Ronnie Bell.
To make room, Las Vegas released defensive end Jahfari Harvey, offensive tackle Kamar Missouri and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam from the practice squad. The additions give the Raiders three players with NFL experience, but Neal is perhaps the most intriguing of the group considering his draft pedigree.
Raiders Take a Chance on Former No. 7 Pick Evan Neal
Neal arrives in Las Vegas looking for a fresh start after his time with the New York Giants came to an end. The Giants selected Neal seventh overall in the 2022 NFL Draft with the expectation that the former Alabama standout could become a long-term fixture along their offensive line. It never quite worked out.
Neal began his NFL career at right tackle and appeared in 29 games for New York, making 27 starts. The Giants eventually attempted to transition him to right guard, but Neal didn’t play a regular-season snap during the 2025 season.
New York released him Sunday. Neal hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game since 2024, making his opportunity with the Raiders particularly important.
There is little risk for Las Vegas in bringing him onto the practice squad. Neal is still a former top-10 selection with considerable physical talent, and the Raiders can now evaluate whether a change of scenery and their coaching staff can help revive his career.
If Neal can regain some of the form that made him one of the most highly regarded offensive linemen in the 2022 draft class, the Raiders could potentially uncover valuable depth without committing a spot on the initial 53-man roster.
Azeez Ojulari Brings Pass-Rush Experience
Ojulari is another former Giants draft pick looking to reestablish himself. New York selected the edge rusher in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and Ojulari spent his first four seasons with the organization.
He later joined the Philadelphia Eagles but appeared in only three games last season. The Atlanta Falcons signed Ojulari in March before terminating his contract Sunday, opening the door for the Raiders to bring him to Las Vegas.
Despite bouncing between teams recently, Ojulari has demonstrated an ability to get after quarterbacks. Across 49 career games over five seasons, he has recorded 113 tackles, 22 sacks and 38 quarterback hits. That production makes him an interesting developmental depth option for a Raiders defense that can never have too many capable pass rushers.
Las Vegas doesn’t necessarily need Ojulari to immediately become a major contributor. But putting an experienced edge defender with 22 career sacks on the practice squad gives the organization another option if injuries or performance issues arise during the season.
Ronnie Bell Gives Raiders Another Receiver Option
Bell rounds out Thursday’s additions. The San Francisco 49ers selected the former Michigan receiver in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Bell has since appeared in 28 NFL games between the 49ers and New Orleans Saints, recording 10 receptions for 113 yards and four touchdowns.
His receiving numbers aren’t overwhelming, but his NFL experience gives Las Vegas another player it can develop and potentially elevate if additional depth is needed at wide receiver.
The Raiders have continued reshaping their receiving corps throughout the offseason, and Bell now gets an opportunity to prove he deserves to remain part of those plans.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
