MAILBAG TIME! Here we go . . .

Who leads the Raiders in picks and sacks in 2019?— Nick (@niceasey) August 21, 2019

Interceptions – Gareon Conley. I thought he made serious strides last year and flashed his potential to be one of the top corners in the league. From here on out, it’ll be about playing that way consistently. One thing that will help his INT numbers is the way he can run stride for stride with receivers down the field, turn his head and make a play on the ball.

Sacks – Arden Key. As much as I love “Mad” Maxx Crosby, I think Key is the most explosive edge rusher on this team right now and it seems like defensive line coach Brenston Buckner is making an impact on him. If #99 can put it all together and tee off on 3rd & long, I think he can get to 7-8 sacks and take home the honors.

What are your predictions for surprise cuts— Juan Gutierrez (@OG_Don_Juan) August 21, 2019

I’m not sure if cutting an UDFA rookie is a surprise, but a lot of people think Wisconsin’s Alec Ingold is making this team over Keith Smith. I just don’t see it. To be clear, that’s not said with the intention of slighting Ingold, because the dude has done everything right. He’s shown to be a capable blocker, a viable receiver and he even laid some wood on a special teams play that caught my eye. To me, it all comes down to special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, as Smith is one of his “guys” from his Dallas days and I think that buys #41 another year to prove himself. Ingold would be a gem of a practice squad candidate, but if he’s picked up by another team via waivers, I’ll be nothing but happy for him.

Sleeper to make the final 53? Mine is Sharpe at swing tackle.— Mark Lubienski (@marklubienski) August 22, 2019

I’m going to go with cornerback Keisean Nixon. He was fantastic on the 80-yard field in Canada, and has likely surpassed Nick Nelson on the depth chart. I’ll take it one step further… when Nevin Lawson’s suspension concludes, I think the staff will pass and stick with Nixon.

Any chance we try and pick up some different/addtl guys for either or both the OL & DL (the trenches) when other teams have to cut down to their 53 man roster?I still think that’s where we still really need to improve. Since you’re a “trenches” guy wanted to know ur thoughts?— BigDaddy (@PapaJ22) August 21, 2019

I think the Raiders will definitely be looking to add some depth along the offensive line, while also licking their chops for a veteran edge rusher. However, there’s probably 20 other teams that are attempting to do the exact same thing, so Oakland will need to be smart about how they place their waiver claims.

How many UDFA make the 53?

And the way Rush and Westbrook have played should Jelly be nervous— 🗣I’m here for this (@Rollicking_R8R) August 21, 2019

I’ll say four UDFA’s make the team – Punter A.J. Cole, WR Keelan Doss, DT Anthony Rush, and CB Keisean Nixon.

Do you think we have enough depth at guard to hold down the fort until Jackson and Incognito are back? And who do you think will start at both guard positions in the meantime. Thanks guys love the show as well as Locked on Raiders!!! #RN4L ☠☠☠— Cap Ruffino (@cap_ruffino) August 21, 2019

I think they’ll hang in their for the first two games without Richie Incognito, as I’m pretty optimistic about Denver Kirkland and Denzelle Good providing depth at either guard position. To start the season, I think it’ll be Jonathan Cooper at left guard and Jordan Devey at right guard.

Any predictions on Abram’s season? I like his motor on the field— pancho in the 760 (@_Pancho___) August 20, 2019

I’m really excited to see Johnathan Abram be the aggressive tone setter of the Raiders secondary. I’m a little concerned about his coverage ability in open space, but he seems like a really hard worker that will likely realize his flaws early and do what he can to rectify them. I’m a fan of defensive backs coach Jim O’Neil and I think he will put Abram in a position to succeed as a rookie.

Any chance they try to trade D Wash and keep Martin,which I wouldn’t be a fan of. But who am I.— Chad Glass (@glass_halfful) August 21, 2019

I think they keep four running backs (Josh Jacobs, Jalen Richard, Doug Martin and DeAndre Washington). However, if they only keep three, I’m hoping it’s Martin that they cut loose. With that said, Gruden loves him some Dougernaut, so I realize that’s unlikely.

(Featured Image via Getty Images)