Ranking the Raiders’ roster as team hits the halfway point
ALAMEDA >> Halfway home and better than expected.
Here’s a subjective ranking of the Raiders’ 53-man roster, top to bottom, taking into account not only first-half accomplishments but the level of performance which will be required to still be in the playoff chase come mid-December:
1. DEREK CARR >> The person most responsible for the Raiders being a surprise this season is coach Jon Gruden. Gruden’s direct extension to the field is Carr.
2. JOSH JACOBS >> The left jab that sets up all the combinations in the Raiders’ offensive arsenal, Jacobs is giving the Raiders their best performance at running back since Marcus Allen was in his prime.
3. KOLTON MILLER >> The Raiders’ only lineman who has played every snap on a unit that’s been the strength of the team. He’s protected against the top edge players (hello Khalil Mack).
4. DARREN WALLER >> Raiders knew he’d be good when they let Jared Cook walk in free agency. But they couldn’t have known he’d be this good.
5. RICHIE INCOGNITO >> Having one of his best seasons at age 36 and he’s been to Pro Bowls. You live with the penalties.
6. RODNEY HUDSON >> Got a $33.75 million contract extension and is worth every penny in terms of quality play and leadership.
7. TRENT BROWN >> Has been as good as advertised as highest paid offensive lineman in NFL. Recent injuries a concern.
8. GABE JACKSON >> Missed five games with an MCL strain and looks as mobile and powerful as ever. He and Brown could block out the sun.
9. TYRELL WILLIAMS >> Ranking is more for what Williams needs to be in the second half the season rather than what he’s accomplished so far (23 receptions, 355 yards, five TDs).
10. HUNTER RENFROW >> Gradually gaining Carr’s trust as the kind of reliable third-down slot receiver who can find open areas and extend drives.
11. JOHNATHAN HANKINS >> Anchors a strong run defense from the inside -- a fire hydrant with movement skills.
12. TAHIR WHITEHEAD >> Rarely leaves the field and is a positive, inspirational presence at linebacker in a unit that needs that quality.
13. DARYL WORLEY >> The Raiders’ toughest, most physical corner, Worley may or may not get more work as a hybrid safety. Was always preferred over Gareon Conley by current staff.
14. MAXX CROSBY >> Rookie fourth-round pick from Eastern Michigan has been prone to penalties and fines but has already become a mainstay at end because of his non-stop energy and aggression.
15. BENSON MAYOWA >> Defensive end leads the Raiders with 5 1/2 sacks and has a pair of forced fumbles despite never playing more than 30 snaps in a game.
16. DANIEL CARLSON >> At some point, the Raiders will need Carlson to step up and win a game on a field goal attempt. Missed from 45 against Detroit, but mostly deadly accurate.
17. LAMARCUS JOYNER >> No interceptions, two passes defensed, 32 tackles, no forced fumbles. The Raiders need more in the second half of the season from their big-ticket defensive item in free agency.
18. JALEN RICHARD >> Almost personally delivered the game-winning drive against Detroit with receptions of 31 and 23 yards and runs of seven and five yards.
19. ZAY JONES >> Trade acquisition from Buffalo looks like a good deal, a former second-round pick who came for a fifth.
20. KARL JOSEPH >> Fourthyear safety coming off what D-coordinator Paul Guenther called his best game against Detroit.
21. ERIK HARRIS >> Proud owner of Raiders’ lone defensive touchdown, a 30yard return in win over Indianapolis.
22. NICHOLAS MORROW >> The best athlete among the linebackers, has been hit and miss in coverage.
23. TREVOR DAVIS >> Doing some good work on punt returns (11.9 average) but has yet to catch on as a receiving threat.
24. MAURICE HURST >> Classic three-technique tackle is an effort player who was a bargain in the fifth round in 2018.
25. ALEC INGOLD >> Fullback is an excellent blocker, has converted four short runs for first downs and awaits his first reception.
26. ANDRE JAMES >> No one saw this coming. Former UCLA tackle moved to center and played well in place of Rodney Hudson.
27. CLELIN FERRELL >> With Arden Key out, could get more pass rush opportunities.
28. TRAYVON MULLEN >> Rookie corner held up well against Lions and the hope is he starts the rest of the season.
29. FOSTER MOREAU >> Rookie fourth-round pick out of LSU has 14 catches, 134 yards, three touchdowns and Carr’s trust.
30. DEANDRE WASHINGTON >> Fearless runner keeps fighting off all competition to remain on roster.
31. NEVIN LAWSON >> Veteran corner still awaits first career interception in his sixth season.
32. JOSH MAURO >> Hampered of late by groin injury, the Stanford product is one of Raiders’ top run defenders.
33. A.J. COLE >> Won punting competition easily over Johnny Townsend and has 47.9 gross and 40.1 net.
34. P.J. HALL >> Small-college star has the physical skill and stature to dominate but does so only occasionally.
35. DENZELLE GOOD >> Has stepped in and started at both guard spots for Incognito and Jackson with little dropoff.
36. DAVID SHARPE >> His work subbing for Brown at right tackle should keep him in the NFL for years.
37. DEREK CARRIER >> Versatile veteran tight end ran 27 yards with a fake punt against Detroit.
38. MARCELL ATEMAN >>
Started season on practice squad, came out of nowhere for 34-yard reception from Carr against Lions.
39. KEELAN DOSS >> Alameda native may never live up to “Hard Knocks” hype, but that’s not his fault. A decent prospect.
40. WILL COMPTON >> Signed off the street and became immediate contributor vs. Lions on special teams and linebacker.
41. DALLIN LEAVITT >> Primarily a special teams player, Leavitt is the guy that handed the ball to Carrier on the fake punt.
42. KEISEAN NIXON >> Undrafted rookie from South Carolina has played on special teams, hasn’t been trusted as a corner.
43. KYLE WILBER >> Veteran special teams player provides familiarity and comfort for coordinator Rich Bisaccia.
44. MIKE GLENNON >> For what it’s worth, QB rating for Carr’s backup a stratospheric 147.2 (2 of 3, 36 yards, TD).
45. ISAIAH JOHNSON >> Activated Monday, fourthround pick gets to start climbing the depth chart in secondary.
46. CURTIS RILEY >> After difficult Week 3 start in Minnesota, Riley has barely been seen on defense since.
47. DWAYNE HARRIS >> Ankle and foot injuries have sidelined Harris’ skills as a return specialist and in kick coverage.
48. TRENT SIEG >> You almost never hear his name. For a long-snapper, that’s a good thing.
49. TERRELL MCCLAIN >> Got in seven snaps at defensive tackle in debut against Detroit, coaches just learning what he can do.
50. ERIK MAGNUSON >> Emergency signing after injuries to Hudson, James got in six snaps on special teams against Lions.
51. BRANDON PARKER >> Opened season as a blocker in power packages, mostly just inactive in recent weeks.
52. DESHONE KIZER >> No. 3 quarterback in developmental season under Gruden.
NR. ARDEN KEY >> Destined for injured reserve with broken foot after coming on with two sacks in last two games.