The Las Vegas Raiders held workouts for 16 free agents on Thursday, indicating a push to address roster weaknesses stemming from injuries and recent decisions ahead of Week 1. The team focused on positions that have been thinned by these circumstances.
Among the most recognized players to try out were former New York Giants top-10 pick Evan Neal, veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and pass rushers Azeez Ojulari, B.J. Ojulari, and David Ojabo. The workout list suggests the Raiders are actively seeking to bolster their depth, particularly at offensive line and receiver.
Neal, a seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has experience at both tackle and guard. His workout comes after the Raiders traded versatile lineman Jordan Meredith to the Jets. The team also evaluated guards Evan Beerntsen, center Trey Hill, and tackles Christian Jones and Colby Sorsdal, signaling continued assessment of the offensive line even with Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson nearing a return from injuries.
The receiver position appears to be another area of pressing need. Rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr. was placed on injured reserve after missing all preseason games, joining other receivers on the IR list. Valdes-Scantling and former 49ers receiver Ronnie Bell were among those who participated in Thursday's workouts. Head coach Klint Kubiak had previously expressed the team's ongoing search for reliable playmakers at the position.
The front seven also saw a need for potential reinforcements. Third-round rookie Keyron Crawford suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the preseason, and Brennan Jackson is also on the injured reserve list. The Raiders' tryouts included the Ojulari brothers, Ojabo, and linebacker Dasan McCullough.
While these workouts do not guarantee any signings, the broad range of players evaluated provides a clear indication of the positions the Raiders believe require upgrades as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season.