There is only one cut day in the NFL now, but with two weeks of preseason action in the books some players have began to establish themselves.
Aidan O’Connnell
It took O’Connell three possessions, 23 plays, 195 yards, two touchdowns and 10:29 to turn the game around. The former 4th-round pick set the Raiders highest point total for a single game in team history as a starter. He is on a rookie deal and doesn’t have to be declared active and can still play as the #3 quarterback. Additionally, he has
trade value should another team want a capable veteran option at a low cost.
Here is O’Connell’s biggest value to the Raiders. Let’s play out a doom scenario: the offensive line’s pass-protection issues don’t improve, and the receivers aren’t able to answer head coach Klint Kubiak’s callout. Kirk Cousins starts the season, plays x number of games and something happens. (Not wishing ill on Cousins, just a scenario).
If protecting number-one overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza remains the plan, rather than feeding him to the wolves, O’Connell can continue to showcase his abilities before his upcoming free agency. There is absolutely no need to cut him or move him unless something impressive is offered in return.
Cian Slone
Slone has been another eye-opener in the preseason. Playing a total of 43 snaps in two games, Slone has 5 tackles, 4 quarterback hits, 2 pressures (one leading to an interception) and a sack. Pure hustle and technique is how Slone is making it happen. The former Wolfpack edge has perfected the art of running the hoop and it’s results have been unique.
Slone’s lateral quickness and change of direction is incredibly fast. His hustle to the echoes of the whistle leads to multiple second-chance opportunities where he has capitalized.
Pat Johnson
Johnson has shown up in both games as a well-rounded player. He has sacked the quarterback in both games and forced a game-changing fumble against the Houston Texans. With multiple run stuffs per game, Johnson is outplaying just about every defensive end on the roster.
Johnson isn’t the biggest at defensive end, but you would never be able to tell that from watching him on the field. He has worked his way up from the bottom of the depth chart to starting with the twos against Houston’s ones. He is certainly a rotational piece that the Raiders defense will need in 2026.
Folorunso Fatukasi
It was only one preseason outing against a former team, but Fatukasi provided the push up front we haven’t seen all preseason. Fatukasi collapsed the pocket, bringing pressure on multiple occasions, fighting through double teams and stuffing the run. Size up front is an issue for the defense; if Fatukasi can continue to provide the push up the middle, he should start.
Jermod McCoy
The rookie bounced back nicely from his preseason debut last week; he didn’t surrender a touchdown against the Texans. McCoy showed the promise of a first-round corner’s ability, blanketing his coverage and preventing a catch. Where he went wrong this time was standing over the receiver and taunting him on the ground. A true rookie mistake that cost the team getting off the field.
A coachable moment for a player the Raiders will be relying on heavily in the not-so-distant future. McCoy took a lot of heat for getting outmuscled against the Cardinals, none of that happened against the Texans.
