As the 2026 NFL season approaches its opening weekend, the Las Vegas Raiders are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to fortify the roster. On Thursday, September 3, the Silver and Black hosted a mass tryout featuring 16 players, headlined by former first-round pick Evan Neal and veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The workout underscores the Raiders' proactive approach as they finalize their 53-man squad and scout for hidden gems or experienced depth.
A Second Chance for Neal?
Evan Neal, the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, has had a turbulent professional journey. After being drafted as a right tackle, Neal struggled with consistency and was eventually moved to right guard. However, he failed to see any game action in 2025 due to injuries and was released by the Giants. Neal's career totals include 29 games played with 27 starts. At just 25 years old, the physical tools that made him a top-10 selection are still evident. For the Raiders, who have had offensive line issues in recent years, Neal represents a low-risk, high-reward project. As highlighted on Vulius, if Neal can regain his form, he could become a cornerstone for Las Vegas' protection unit.
Veteran Depth at Receiver
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a fifth-round pick in 2018, brings a wealth of experience to the workout. The veteran receiver, who has played for the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, and most recently had stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, has amassed 219 receptions for 3,686 yards and 21 touchdowns over his career. In 2025, he showed flashes of his deep-threat ability with the Steelers, recording 10 catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. With the Raiders' receiving corps still developing, Valdes-Scantling's veteran presence could provide a reliable target for the quarterback and a mentor for younger players.
A Deep Pool of Talent
The Raiders' tryout list also included a diverse group of players ranging from undrafted free agents to former NFL contributors. Notable names include offensive guard Evan Beerntsen, wide receiver Ronnie Bell, defensive tackles David Blay and Stephen Hall, cornerbacks Tre Hawkins and Latrell McCutchin, center Trey Hill, offensive tackle Christian Jones, tight end Josh Kattus, linebacker Dasan McCullough, defensive end David Ojabo, and outside linebackers Azeez Ojulari and B.J. Ojulari. The presence of the Ojulari brothers is particularly intriguing, as both have shown pass-rushing ability in the league. Additionally, offensive tackle Colby Sorsdal and defensive back Stephen Hall round out a group that offers depth across multiple positions.
Strategic Moves for the Season Ahead
As the Raiders prepare for their season opener, these tryouts signal a front office committed to competition and improvement. By bringing in players like Neal and Valdes-Scantling, Las Vegas is not only addressing immediate needs but also planning for the long haul. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, this scouting diligence could pay dividends if any of these players make the roster or contribute during the season. With the NFL landscape always evolving, the Raiders are positioning themselves to be agile and prepared for any challenges that come their way.
Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, these workouts are a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the Raiders' organization. As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see if any of these tryout players earn a spot and make an impact.
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