Every year, there is usually an undrafted free agent or two that winds up on the 53-man roster. This year, the Raiders have quite a few options as they had one of the strongest UDFA classes in the league.
In a recent article by Tashan Reed of The Atheltic, he ranked the best undrafted free agent signings by the Raiders this offseason. The top player on the list was Arkansas OL Dalton Wagner, who easily could have been drafted.
With the Raiders lacking depth on the offensive line, Wagner could be an option as the No. 4 tackle. Here is what Reed had to say about the former SEC tackle:
Wagner received $225,000 in total guarantees according to AtoZ Sports Nashville reporter Doug Kyed, which is currently the most guaranteed money any UDFA is reported to receive thus far, so that goes to show how high the Raiders are on him. The 6-foot-8, 320-pounder was a four-year starter at right tackle in college.
He has great size, length and power and excelled as both a run and pass blocker, but he isn’t the best athlete and struggles with coordination, flexibility and fluidity. He’ll need to show development and improve his technique to be anything more than a backup long term, but he could flash enough in practices and preseason games to make the roster.
The Raiders did bring back Brandon Parker this offseason and Thayer Munford had a successful rookie season after being picked in the seventh round. But Wagner has elite size and experience that could win over the coaching staff of the Raiders.
Keep an eye on Wagner as he could make the 53-man roster during his rookie season. That usually doesn’t happen very often for offensive linemen.