Oakland Raiders: Under-the-Radar Players That Can Contribute in 2012

So far in free agency, the Raiders have been bargain shoppers.

General manager Reggie McKenzie has done his due diligence in helping the team get in salary cap compliance. Due to "out of whack" contracts of the past, the Raiders are not exactly in good shape in cap terms.

McKenzie had to cut ties with some players who were on what fans like to call "the Al Davis Scholarship." Players of great athletic ability, or former first-round picks who have not played to their ability, but still had big paychecks.

Starters Stanford Routt, Kamerion Wimbley, and Kevin Boss, all were given directions to the nearest exit.

Some saw the light, jumped on McKenzie's good side and restructured their deals.

The Raiders took a similar approach in the NFL draft. With very few picks, McKenzie did what he felt was best when choosing under-the-radar players with very high upside.

With the release of many starters and some overpaid backups, the Raiders definitely are trying to fill their roster heading into 2012. While there are holes to be filled, this leaves an opportunity for some under-the-radar talent to step up in big ways.

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