The Final 53

Via: Raiders Blog

Roster and my comments behind the cut:

QUARTERBACKS (3)

1. Aaron Brooks:
   Unquestioned Starter for this year.
   
2. Andrew Walter
   Quarterback of the future so the team says.
   
3. Marques Tuiasosopo
   His last season with the team in all likelyhood.

RUNNING BACKS (5)

1. RB LaMont Jordan
   Looking to build off of last season.
2. FB Zack Crockett
   I just knew he'd be sticking around.
3. RB Justin Fargas
   Expected to spell Jordan if he can stay healthy.
   
4. RB ReShard Lee
   The one mild-surprise of the group.
5. FB John Paul Foschi
   Looking to build on last season.

WIDE RECEIVERS (5)

1. Randy Moss
   Will he have a healthy season? Will he stay happy?
   
2. Jerry Porter
   Gabriel trade makes him probable starter next to Moss.
   
3. Ronald Curry
   Health remains top issue, solid third down receiver.
4. Alvis Whitted
   Speedy Wide Receiver a Davis Favorite.
   
5. Johnnie Morant
   Outside of Moss probably most physically imposing receiver on team.

TIGHT ENDS (4)

1. Courtney Anderson
   He has the size, and will have the opportunities to contribute.
   
2. Randal Williams
   1 of 2 converted Wide Receivers.
   
3. James Adkisson
   Team must like what they see.
   
4. John Madsen
   Undrafted free agent makes team as 4th tight end.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (10)

1. LT Robert Gallery
   Back at his natural spot.
   
2. LG Barry Sims
   Moves inside to guard with the Gallery move to Left Tackle.
   
3. C Corey Hulsey
   Starter until Grove is healthy, then swing backup.
4. RG Paul McQuistan
   Rookie Third Round pick thrust into starting lineup.
5. RT Langston Walker
   I bet he blocks another kick this season.
6. G-T Brad Badger
   Better backup than a starter.
7. T Chad Slaughter
   If he sees the field there were some injuries...
   
8. C Adam Treu
   Longest tenured Raider still going strong.
   
9. G Kevin Boothe
   Rookie 6th round pick hangs on.
10. C Jake Grove
    Starter upon his return.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (8)

1. E Derrick Burgess
   Last Year's Sack Leader looking for more of the same.
   
2. T Tommy Kelly
   Replaces Big Ted Washington as chief run-stuffer.
   
3. T Warren Sapp
   Injuries cut short his season in 05, hoping to prove he's still a force.
   
4. E Tyler Brayton
   Back at his natural End position.
   
5. T Terdell Sands
   Mountain of a man hoping to see field.
6. E Lance Johnstone
   Hoping to provide pressure oposite Derrick Burgess.
7. T Anttaj Hawthorne
   A season in NFL Europe helps him make team.
   
8. E
   Kevin Huntley
   One of the surprises of camp.

LINEBACKERS (6)

1. SLB Sam Williams
   Hoping for a healthy season for first time in career.
   
2. OLB Kirk Morrison
   Rookie star from a year ago handed keys to defense.
   
3. WLB Thomas Howard
   This year's rookie edition to LB core brings speed.
   
4. OLB Grant Irons
   Servicable backup almost beat out Williams for starting job.
   
5. OLB-MLB Robert Thomas
   Free Agent is veteran of group.
   
6. OLB Isaiah Ekeijuiba
   Special teamer all the way.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (10)

1. CB Nnamdi Asomugha
   Hoped to see continued improvement.
2. CB Fabian Washington
   Had a good camp hoping to make the leap in second year.
   
3. FS Stuart Schweigert
   Hoping to create turnovers in the secondary.
   
4. SS Michael Huff
   All eyes on this first-round pick.
   
5. CB Tyrone Poole
   Veteran of the secondary, kept for experience.
   
6. CB Stanford Routt
   Speedy second year defender hoping for playing time.
   
7. S Jarrod
   Cooper
   Another valuable special teamer and spot starter.
   
8. S Derrick Gibson
   Former first-rounder supplanted by 2006 first-rounder.
   
9. CB Chris Carr
   Punt and Kickoff returner with Gabriel gone.
   
10. S Hiram Eugene
    Not likely to see field in secondary.

SPECIALISTS (2)

1. K Sebastian Janikowski
   Hoping to rebound from sub-par season.
   
2. P Shane Lechler
   Hoping to return to pro bowl form.