Summer Sleeper: Oakland Raiders

With training camps opening around the NFL, we continue our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL.

These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about here in the Premium Content section. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.

We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Lamar Miller, Chris Ivory or Danny Amendola. You’re all too good for that.

While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.

Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!

Mychal Rivera, TE OAK

With last season’s surprise breakout Brandon Myers leaving Oakland for New York this offseason, the Raiders’ starting tight end spot is wide open. Many will hardly recognize or consider any of the names competing for the job (David Ausberry, Richard Gordon, Nick Kasa), but there is one that should be on everyone’s radar – Mychal Rivera.

Sure, Ausberry is known to be an athletic tight end and is likely to be the default starter to begin camp and potentially the season, but after some hype early on due a rare blend of size and speed, he’s done little to earn increased playing time. In fact, Rivera possesses similar receiving ability, but is a better blocker. That’s not saying much considering Ausberry’s blocking is a huge liability, but it’s worth noting considering that the Raiders 2013 offense is based on a power running scheme. They’ll need someone to be able to block at this spot. Given what we know and have seen from the former wide receiver convert, it’ll be a surprise to see Ausberry hold down the starting job through the 2013 season.

Another options is Nick Kasa who was also added by the Raiders in the sixth round of the 2013 draft. However, he’s known as a blocking tight-end with limited pass catching ability. He’s also an unlikely candidate to start and potentially see targets. On the other hand, Rivera is known for pass-catching ability and reliability. That’s clear in his Tennessee career statistics. After all, he broke Jason Witten’s Tennessee record for receiving yards in a season in 2012:

The issue with Rivera is he’s undersized at 6’3” and 242 pounds and because of that, he needs to be more consistent in blocking. He’s exhibited the ability to an effective blocker despite his size, but he does not consistently use leverage appropriately. Still, Rivera is a better blocker than most would expect given his size.

If Rivera needs to continue to work on blocking in his rookie season and the Raiders are hesitant to use him in-line, that’s where some combination of Rivera and a player like Kasa or Gordon will be beneficial since they’re both known for their blocking ability. With the NFL continuing to migrate towards two-tight end sets with one split-out wide, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rivera used in that manner with Kasa/Gordon in-line. In fact, Rivera has some experience splitting out wide is known to be versatile. If he’s unable to prove that he can play in-line at an NFL level in 2013, expect him to at least be involved as a move tight-end in passing situations.

In a post-draft interview, Rivera actually suggested the Oakland coaching staff expects to use him in motion noting they’ll split him out and utilize him in a similar manner to how he was utilized at Tennessee – that’s an indication there may have been some discussions with Rivera and how he may be used as a pass-catching weapon.

Another factor that may work in Rivera’s (and whatever Raider tight-end may see snaps) is the style and success of both Matt Flynn and Tyler Wilson centers on short and intermediate routes. With that, the tight end is likely to be involved on a routine basis. Combined that with the fact Oakland doesn’t have many established pass-catching options outside of Denarius Moore and potentially Rod Streater suggests that targets are available. In turn, that leaves an opportunity for someone like Rivera to become fantasy relevant.

In the end and as mentioned upfront, the Raiders starting spot is up for grabs. As a rookie, Rivera has as good of a shot as any tight end on the roster to earn significant snaps. He doesn’t have the size that you’d expect for an NFL tight end, but given how these hybrid tight ends are utilized, it’s possible that he finds a home in this offense.

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