Which Wide Receivers Will Make the Raiders Roster in 2021?

After attacking the position in recent years, the Raiders now have a wide receiver room loaded with interesting names. Raider Nation certainly remembers watching the likes of Keelan Doss and Trevor Davis start games for the Silver and Black just a few short years ago.

Since those days, however, the Raiders have drafted and signed many players in hopes of achieving meaningful production from the group.

As such, it is likely that some decent players get cut at the end of the preseason. With the Raiders likely to only carry six wide receivers into Week 1, that leaves six others on the outside looking in. With many talented players who all play different roles, here is how it could shake out in four weeks.

Roster locks

Henry Ruggs, Bryan Edwards, and Hunter Renfrow

Of the six available spots, three are already taken. Listed as starters on the initial depth chart. These three are going to be in Vegas in 2021.

For Ruggs, he will look to become the WR1 that Mayock and Gruden envisioned him becoming when they took him in the 1st round. Ruggs possesses all the talent in the world, he just has to put it together.

Similar to last year, Bryan Edwards is the story of the offseason. Routinely making difficult catches look easy, he has a chance to be a big part of the offense in 2021.

Of course, Renfrow will return as the go-to option on third down and provide a consistent security blanket for Carr. It would not be at all surprising to see these three on the field for the Raiders’ first play of the season in 2021.

Veterans with a good chance

John Brown, Willie Snead, Zay Jones

Zay Jones will compete with veteran additions John Brown and Willie Snead for depth positions in 2021. All three have a good chance to make the roster.

In John Brown, the Raiders will receive a lot of the same things they got from Nelson Agholor in 2020. If Edwards can’t prove himself early in 2021, look for Brown to become a starter rather quickly.

Willie Snead will provide reliable insurance out of the slot if Renfrow were to miss time. A crafty veteran, Snead will likely drive fantasy owners crazy by stealing a few random touchdowns throughout the season.

Another year passes and Zay Jones is still fighting for a role in Las Vegas. His relationship with Carr and experience will likely earn him a roster spot in 2021. He is also versatile enough to play outside and in the slot, which Jon Gruden loves.

Need a very strong preseason

Keelan Doss, Marcell Ateman, D.J. Turner, Caleb Scott, Dillon Stoner

As usual, the bottom of the depth chart is rounded out with young guys who are likely camp bodies. Keelan Doss is back again still looking to build upon his 2019 preseason dominance. Without some serious progression, his luck may run out in 2021.

The same rings true for Marcell Ateman. The former 7th rounder simply has not shown enough in his career thus far. The most interesting player in this group is easily Stoner. With a strong pre-season, the Oklahoma State product has a chance to take a roster spot from Willie Snead.

While the first six listed are the ones most likely to earn roster spots, the Raiders will have a tough time trimming this group down. Truly, this is a good problem to have as the team is now faced with cutting some talented players.

Regardless of who makes the roster come Week 1, much will be asked of them as the Raiders looks to finally threaten teams with their wide receivers.