The Mercury News

Raiders trade RB Bowden to the Dolphins

- By Jerry Mcdonald jmcdonald@bayareanew­sgroup.com

The camp Raiders that third-round seemed to understand draft pick Lynn not Bowden far into training Jr. was more of a project than they expected.

So they cut their losses Saturday, trading the Kentucky running back to the Miami Dolphins along with a sixthround draft pick in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the 2021 NFL draft.

Bowden played quarterbac­k at Kentucky and the plan was to develop him as a jack-of-all-trades running back, a versatile runner/receiver who could even line up as a wildcat quarterbac­k in more exotic sets. It ranks as a draft miss for the Raiders, especially given that the fourth-round pick they got back from Miami was originally theirs and was sent to the Dolphins this week for linebacker Raekwon Mcmillan.

Aside from Bowden, the closest thing to a surprise Saturday when the Raiders revealed their 53-man roster was the release of tackle Sam Young. Young, who once was the favorite to back up tackles Kolton Miller and Trent Brown, could be brought back to the practice squad.

Here is something to know about each player who made Saturday’s cut (jersey numbers subject to change for newcomers): QUARTERBAC­K

Derek Carr (4) : Being in the upper-half of quarterbac­ks between the 20-yard lines won’t be good enough this year. Has to get into the end zone.

Marcus Mariota (8) : A bit more of a project than Raiders thought originally, but a $7.5 million investment to be backup. Nathan Peterman (3) : Go ahead and laugh. He twice ascended to a starting position in Buffalo and coach Jon Gruden is in his corner. RUNNING BACK Josh Jacobs (28) : Raiders aren’t expecting much really. Just 1,500 yards and something approachin­g 60 receptions. Jalen Richard (30) : Third-down back averaging 5.0 yards per carry and 8.6 yards per catch on 160 receptions in four seasons Devontae Booker (46) : Rushing yardage dwindled each of four years in Denver but played on 46 percent of special teams snaps last season. Alec Ingold (45) : Solid blocker could get a few additional touches in short-yardage and as a receiver in second season as fullback.

WIDE RECEIVERS Henry Ruggs III (11) : No. 12 overall pick will be entrusted immediatel­y with helping revive the traditiona­l Al Davis vertical game. Hunter Renfrow (13) : Slot receiver quickly became one of the most trusted targets for Carr. Nelson Agholor (15) : Experience­d route-runner has 224 career receptions and is healthy after battling knee issues with Eagles. Bryan Edwards (89) : Taken one selection after Lynn Bowden Jr., Edwards’ physicalit­y and ability to catch in traffic were the talk of camp. Zay Jones (12) : Called by Gruden one of the most improved players on the team after minimal impact as in-season acquisitio­n. Rico Gafford (10) : Coaches love his speed, both as a downfield threat at receiver and as a special teams player. TIGHT ENDS Darren Waller (83) : Considerin­g inexperien­ce at wideout and depth at tight end, expect to see ‘19 breakout star flexed often. Jason Witten (82) : Experience­d target bound for Canton gives Carr a target to rely on in the red zone. Foster Moreau (87) : Great value pick in fourth round last season appears completely recovered from torn ACL. Derek Carrier (85) : Can step in and play tight, play away from line and a core special teamer. Gruden loves his versatilit­y. OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Kolton Miller (74) : Another solid year and the 2018 first-round draft pick won’t be called a “reach” any longer.

Richie Incognito (64) : Put aside personal issues and became a leader and dominant force after a year out of football.

Rodney Hudson (61) : One of unquestion­ed leaders, center is the best free agent signing that Reggie Mckenzie ever made. Gabe Jackson (66) : Never healthy last season, Jackson looks to justify faith from franchise for paying his $9.3 million nonguarant­eed salary Trent Brown (77) : Release of veteran tackle Sam Young indicates Raiders aren’t worried about Brown’s health for Week 1. Denzelle Good (71) : Proved he could sub on either side for Incognito or Jackson at guard when necessary. Andre James (68) : Former college tackle was roster surprise a year ago and is understudy for Hudson at center. John Simpson (76) : If all goes according to plan, fourth-round pick from Clemson will eventually start on right or left side at guard. Brandon Parker (75) : Has had his struggles, but former thirdround draft pick hopes to establish himself in third season. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Maxx Crosby (98) : Will be a marked man and draw extra attention from blockers after 10-sack season as fourth-round draft pick. Johnathan Hankins (90) : Experience­d interior player is closest thing to a run-stuffing nose tackle on the roster. Maliek Collins (97) : Has been lavished with praise by Gruden since camp began, now must live up to it. Clelin Ferrell (96) : Made good on promise to rebuild his body in the offseason and looking for a big leap in production.

Carl Nassib (94) : A former Ted Hendricks award winner who at 6-foot-7 looks the part of Raider great in terms of stature. Maurice Hurst (73) : Smallish three-technique is at his best as a penetrator when kept fresh by frequent substituti­on.

Daniel Ross (93) : One of the Dallas imports by defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, will be part of interior rotation.

Arden Key (99) : If it’s a breakout year for third-year speed rusher, Raiders pass rush will go from below average to pretty good. Kendal Vickers (78) : Played last season in Canadian Football League after being waived by Pittsburgh and Tennessee. LINEBACKER­S Cory Littleton (42) : Raiders paid big money ($36 million, three years) for a guy who can keep up with tight ends and running backs. Nick Kwiatkoski (44) : Short stint as Bears starter was enough for Raiders to believe he would be their defensive signal caller. Raekwon Mcmillan (54) : Stout run defender and tackler can shed blocks and be a factor in short-yardage and goal line situations. Nicholas Morrow (50) : Former Division III product had to hold off charge from Mcclymonds High product Javin White. Tanner Muse (55) : Expected to be core special teams player as he transition­s from Clemson safety to NFL linebacker. CORNERBACK­S Trayvon Mullen (27) : Took over as a starter after Gareon Conley trade, looks like he could stay there for the next five years. Damon Arnette (20) : Tough and tenacious in coverage, firstround pick has practiced with right hand in a cast. That goes a long way with Gruden. Lamarcus Joyner (29) : As the theory goes, being in system for a second year at nickel back will bear big results. Amik Robertson (41) : Raiders believe ability to stick with receivers and play the ball in flight can to offset his height (5foot-8). Isaiah Johnson (31) : Rangy, long-armed cornerback had rookie year derailed by broken orbital bone. Looks to ascend ladder. Keisean Nixon (22) : Fearless undrafted free agent impressed from the outset as competitiv­e corner and special teams player. SAFETIES Johnathan Abram (24) : Are the Raiders expecting a lot? They didn’t give an exuberant hard-hitter No. 24 for nothing. Erik Harris (25) : Old-fashioned success story who keeps faith of coaching staff; his play pushed Damarious Randall off roster. Jeff Heath (38) : Another Dallas import who made his reputation in 2019 as a sure tackler in secondary and on special teams. Dallin Leavitt (32) : Special teams player came out of nowhere for roster spot last year and did it again this year. SPECIALIST­S Daniel Carlson (2) : After a nearly perfect in 2018, struggled last year but pushed off his only competitio­n early in camp. A.J. Cole (6) : Free agent punter had a very solid rookie year which flew under the radar. Trent Sieg (47) : You never hear his name mentioned. Where long-snappers are concerned, that’s a badge of honor.

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