Here’s a player-by-player look at the Oakland Raiders’ 53-man roster:
QUARTERBACK (2)
Derek Carr: The second-year starter is solid, but has to improve on his deep throws.
Matt McGloin: The scrappy McGloin, an undrafted free agent out of Penn State in 2013, upset Christian Ponder to claim the backup spot.
TAILBACK (3)
Latavius Murray: He has only 82 career carries, but he’s the starter and the Raiders are happy about it.
Roy Helu: The free agent addition is going to be a third-down threat.
Taiwan Jones: He is mostly a special teamer, although there will be some designed plays for him.
FULLBACK (2)
Marcel Reece: Reece is a weapon, but the Raiders have to figure out how to use him.
Jamize Olawale: He’s a good special teamer.
WIDE RECEIVER (6)
Amari Cooper: Arizona cornerback Patrick Peterson is an All-Pro and Cooper made him look silly in a preseason game. He will be fun to watch.
Michael Crabtree: Let’s see if his summer chemistry with Carr continues in the regular season.
Rod Streater: Former starter should flourish in this role.
Brice Butler: He is a rotational playmaker who has skills.
Andre Holmes: He can stretch the field as a role player.
Seth Roberts: He led the AFC in receiving in the preseason.
TIGHT END (4)
Mychal Rivera: Showed in the preseason he will fight for his job.
Lee Smith: He is a 265-pound monster who will help in the blocking game.
Clive Walford: He barely practiced this summer because of a hamstring injury, but is getting healthy now.
Gabe Holmes: One of only of two undrafted rookies on the roster. Could be a luxury item. Four tight ends is a lot.
TACKLE (3)
Donald Penn: He is an anchor to the line and a leader.
Austin Howard: He is only starting because Menelik Watson is out for the year with a ruptured Achilles.
Matt McCants: Expect the Raiders to look for an upgrade.
GUARD (4)
Gabe Jackson: Second-year left guard is going to be very good.
J'Marcus Webb: He didn’t play in the NFL last year and has never started at guard. The Raiders are hopeful he will succeed.
Khalif Barnes: Venerable veteran who can play tackle.
Jon Feliciano: Fourth-round pick has potential, but he’s raw.
CENTER (2)
Rodney Hudson: The Raiders are paying him nearly $9 million a year and they’re happy to do it.
Tony Bergstrom: He was Reggie McKenzie’s first draft pick, in 2012. He never plays, but he hangs on.
DEFENSIVE END (5)
Khalil Mack: He’ll play some linebacker too. And he will dominate. A lot.
Justin Tuck: Veteran can still help, but he has to stay healthy.
Benson Mayowa: He is versatile and he will play a lot.
Mario Edwards: Second-round pick showed a lot of burst in the preseason.
Denico Autry: He flashed last season and shined in the preseason.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE (3)
Dan Williams: Free-agent pickup is a solid run-stuffer.
Justin Ellis: Seeing Williams and Ellis on the field together will be fun: Beefy.
Stacy McGee: A depth player.
LINEBACKER (6)
Malcolm Smith: Raiders are expecting a lot from the former key backup of the Seahawks.
Curtis Lofton: Veteran is a solid starting linebacker.
Ray-Ray Armstrong: With Sio Moore traded, Oakland will expect a lot from the first-time starter.
Lorenzo Alexander: A former Pro Bowl special teamer.
Ben Heeney: Rookie middle linebacker will be core special teamer.
Neiron Ball: Another rookie who will play on special teams.
CORNERBACK (6)
TJ Carrie: A seventh-round pick last year, he is Oakland’s No. 1 cornerback. Teams will challenge him.
DJ Hayden: Put-up-or-shut-up time for the No. 12 overall pick in the 2013 draft.
Keith McGill: A fourth-round pick last year, he struggled more than expected in the preseason.
Chimdi Chekwa: Hasn’t shown he can be productive in the regular season.
Neiko Thorpe: Has had his moments in the regular season.
Dexter McDonald: Raiders want to develop this seventh-round pick.
SAFETY (4)
Charles Woodson: That’s Mr. Woodson, to us.
Nate Allen: Raiders have been thrilled with free-agent pickup from Philadelphia.
Larry Asante: Has shown he can help when needed.
Keenan Lambert: The undrafted rookie was claimed off waivers from Seattle on Sunday.
SPECIALISTS (3)
Sebastian Janikowski: The veteran kicker is entering his 16th season.
Marquette King: A solid, young punter.
Jon Condo: One of the best long-snappers in the NFL.