As the Oakland Raiders' close in on the end of their offseason work, they made some moves that could affect the back end of the roster.
The highlight of the moves was the signing of receiver Kris Durham. The four-year veteran had six catches with the Tennessee Titans last season. He also had 38 catches in 2013 with Detroit.
Durham is intriguing because of his size ( 6-foot-6, 220 pounds). He’d give the Raiders, who have their mandatory minicamp next week, a receiver with a height advantage -- something that Oakland lacks. But the Raiders are deep at the position and Durham would have to have a big offseason to squeeze a spot. The Raiders’ No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 receivers, in my opinion, are poised to be Andre Holmes, Brice Butler and undrafted rookie Josh Harper. Incumbent Kenbrell Thompkins can easily win a spot too with a strong summer. Durham has his work cut out for him.
Oakland also signed undrafted rookie, linebacker Chase Williams. The Virginia Tech product is the son of St. Louis defensive coordinator Greg Williams.
Oakland put seventh-round pick Andre Debose on the injured reserve after he cleared waivers. He recently suffered an Achilles injury and was waived/injured. Debose, who had a torn ACL at Florida two years ago, will be able to try to make the Oakland roster next year when he will be 25.
The Raiders also waived tight end Scott Simonson and linebacker Jacoby Hale. Linebacker Mils Burris was officially waived from the injured list. That was just a procedural move. He was essentially released last month.
