Raiders Add Former First-Rounder Evan Neal, Azeez Ojulari and Ronnie Bell to Practice Squad — What It Means for Las Vegas’ Depth and Roster Strategy

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Why teams take quarterbacks, linemen and pass rushers to the practice squad — and why those positions matter for the Raiders
4. Evan Neal: why the Raiders rolled the dice on a former top-10 pick
5. Azeez Ojulari: pass-rush promise tempered by availability concerns
6. Ronnie Bell: savvy depth signing with a special-teams path
7. The three players released: why the Raiders cut Jahfari Harvey, Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. and Kamar Missouri
8. Practice squad mechanics and opportunity: how players move from practice to the active roster
9. What these signings suggest about the Raiders’ 2026 priorities
10. How positional fit might play out schematically for the Raiders
11. Real-world parallels: other teams that revived big-name picks via new situations
12. The economics and cap perspective: why practice-squad signings make financial sense
13. Potential risks and what the Raiders must manage
14. Scenario analysis: best-case, realistic, and worst-case outcomes for each signee
15. What the signings mean for Jeff Kubiak and the coaching staff
16. How fans should read these moves: practical expectations
17. Broader roster-building lesson: the value of optionality in NFL staff decisions
18. What to watch next
19. Final take
20. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Las Vegas signed former No. 7 overall pick Evan Neal, pass rusher Azeez Ojulari and receiver Ronnie Bell to the practice squad, prioritizing depth across the offensive line, edge, and wide receiver room.
• Neal showed notable preseason improvement after a move to guard, Ojulari brings upside tempered by an injury history, and Bell offers a low-cost receiving option with special-teams and situational value.
• The signings reflect a low-risk, high-upside approach to shoring up a thin Raiders roster; three practice-squad players were released to make room.

Introduction

A flurry of workouts at the Raiders’ facility tipped what turned into a soft coup for Las Vegas: the Silver and Black quietly added three familiar names to their practice squad, the most notable being former New York Giants first-round pick Evan Neal. The moves address clear roster gaps and illustrate a pragmatic strategy from John Spytek and the front office — pick low-risk pieces with upside and position flexibility into a team that still needs reinforcements across multiple phases.

The acquisitions followed a day when 16 players cycled through tryouts at the Raiders’ facility. That kind of volume signals active talent searching rather than mere housekeeping. Las Vegas ultimately signed Neal, Azeez Ojulari and Ronnie Bell, while cutting Jahfari Harvey, Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. and Kamar Missouri from the practice squad to create space. These are not headline-grabbing trades. They are personnel moves that, taken together, change the team’s depth map and buy the coaching staff optionality for the long slog of a season.

This piece breaks down what each new addition brings, why the Raiders targeted these particular players, what the departures mean, and how this fits into broader roster-construction patterns seen across the league. The goal is a clear sense of how a practice-squad signing can become a meaningful roster catalyst — or remain a quiet insurance policy.

Why teams take quarterbacks, linemen and pass rushers to the practice squad — and why those positions matter for the Raiders

NFL teams use the practice squad for more than just player development; it is a reserve force, a scouting lab, and an insurance pool all at once. Practice-squad signings follow common logic: secure players who can step into multiple roles, who have shown flashes of NFL-level play, or who possess physical traits worth cultivating. For a team like the Raiders, each of those priorities applies.

The offensive line, particularly, is a frequent target. Injuries and chemistry changes there ripple through every offensive plan. Adding a player like Evan Neal — someone with starter-level experience and positional versatility — reduces the disruption caused by an injury at tackle or guard. For pass rush and secondary depth, teams usually look for edge defenders who can push off the edge in specific subpackages and receivers who can play special teams or fill situational roles in passing concepts. Ronnie Bell fits that mold as a possibility to contribute in limited offensive reps and in kick/punt units.

Las Vegas’ recent roster construction shows multiple weak points: a receiver room that lacks proven depth, an interior and edge front that needs rotational freight, and an offensive line that has dealt with inconsistencies. The practice-squad additions represent a focused response: shore up the line with a high-upside former tackle-turned-guard, add a former high-draft-edge option with a pass-rush track record, and inject receiver competition with a player who has flashed scoring ability in limited action.

Evan Neal: why the Raiders rolled the dice on a former top-10 pick

Evan Neal’s arrival is the most consequential name here because of draft pedigree and physical profile. Selected No. 7 overall in the 2022 draft, Neal entered the league with prototypical size, length and athleticism. Expectations were high, and results through his early career did not consistently match that draft status, creating the perception of an underwhelming start.

Yet many physical traits that attract teams at the top of the draft don’t disappear. Neal remains a 25-year-old with starter-level experience and a proven run-blocking skill set. The Raiders evaluated more than age and past struggles; they evaluated recent play. In the preseason, Neal reportedly earned a high overall grade — with a particularly strong run-blocking mark — after transitioning from tackle to guard. That positional switch matters. Moving inside can mitigate foot-speed mismatches that previously exposed him in pass protection while letting him apply mass and hand strength in a more confined space where his run-game strengths are amplified.

The path from high draft pick to practice-squad signee is not unprecedented. Teams frequently collect former top selections who, for one reason or another, failed to find a lasting fit in their initial situation. Several factors can derail an otherwise promising early career: coaching turnover, schematic mismatch, injury, or the pressures associated with being a premium pick. Development is not linear and a change of environment can reset a trajectory.

For Las Vegas, Neal’s signing is effectively a low-cost option with a reasonable upside ceiling. On the practice squad he can acclimate to the Raiders’ blocking schemes and refine footwork and hand placement at guard. If injuries occur or if his preseason improvement represents a durable trend, activating him avoids a costly trade or free-agent splurge. Even if he remains on the practice squad all season, his presence gives coaches live practice reps with a large-bodied player who can replicate starter-level opposition in scout-team work.

There are tactical benefits beyond the immediate depth value. A player who has handled right tackle and guard responsibilities can be a chess piece for offensive-line coaches. Practice reps against someone of Neal’s size change daily practice preparation; they force the front office to weigh longer-term questions about a young player’s ultimate position and whether a more permanent move interior unlocks the ceiling that once made him a top-10 pick.

Azeez Ojulari: pass-rush promise tempered by availability concerns

Azeez Ojulari’s tape offers a mix of dynamic playmaking — particularly as a rookie — plus a string of injuries that limited continuity. He was a high pick in his own right, selected in the second round in 2021, and he produced an impressive rookie season with high-impact plays, including sacks and tackles for loss. That early production showcased traits that NFL teams covet in year-two-and-beyond pass rushers: burst off the snap, a strong rip-and-go hand usage, and the ability to finish.

The downside is availability. Ojulari’s career to date has included several stints on injured reserve, and he entered free agency with limited assurances about long-term health. That makes him a classic low-investment, high-upside practice-squad signing. If healthy, he offers a rotational edge option who can be elevated in subpackages or emerge as a situational pass rusher on clear passing downs. If not, the financial commitment is minimal and the team can cut ties without impacting their salary-cap planning.

There’s also a fit-story here. The Raiders’ defensive staff includes personnel with Georgia ties and a comfort level evaluating Bulldogs’ prospects. Ojulari’s college pedigree provides some familiarity with his fundamental coaching, which may shorten the learning curve. Bringing players into a locker room where they already have connections—whether from college or previous professional stops—eases integration, especially for players attempting a comeback.

Edge depth is perennially valuable. It’s a position group where rotation is critical to maintain pass-rush effectiveness, and where coaching techniques can rejuvenate a career. Teams in recent years have revived pass rushers who rediscovered burst and hand usage under fresh coaching. Ojulari is a candidate for such a revival if he can string together healthy practices and use the practice squad to recapture his early form.

Ronnie Bell: savvy depth signing with a special-teams path

Ronnie Bell is the smallest of the three headlines but occupies an important role: receiver depth with special-teams utility. A late-round pick who has scored touchdowns in limited NFL snaps, Bell’s professional path has included brief flashes of production and roster stints with multiple organizations. That profile is precisely what teams search for when they need competition and emergency depth at wide receiver.

What makes Bell valuable is the combination of collegiate production, brief NFL-level contributions, and the ability to play the kind of role coaches place on the cusp players. He can run routes, catch in traffic, and potentially contribute to return or coverage units. Teams with thinner receiving corps often prefer players who can assume multiple responsibilities when called upon.

Examining the Raiders’ receiving corps reveals the logic. If the coaching staff deems the depth insufficient or requires different skill sets for certain matchups — vertical threats, boundary grinders, or possession options — Bell represents a low-cost candidate to explore. He also has connections to members of the Raiders’ staff and previous coaching networks, which can smooth installation of concepts and route trees.

For a player like Bell, the practice squad is a proving ground. Coaches can test him on special teams and in limited offensive packages. Should injuries or performance issues arise among the active receivers, Bell could be elevated for game-day duties and provide immediate value. Signing him avoids the scramble to fill a sudden vacancy late in the week and preserves the team’s ability to prioritize long-term roster architecture over short-term emergency pickups.

The three players released: why the Raiders cut Jahfari Harvey, Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. and Kamar Missouri

Roster chess requires sacrifices. To accommodate the new signings, the Raiders released Jahfari Harvey, tight end Albert Okwuegbunam Jr., and offensive tackle Kamar Missouri. Each move reflects evaluation judgments about upside, fit, and roster balance.

Jahfari Harvey showed flashes in the preseason and earned attention, but the acquisition of Ojulari — a player with more perceived long-term pass-rush upside — made Harvey expendable. The Raiders can now focus on developing players with a clearer pathway to rotational snaps.

Okwuegbunam Jr. appeared to be a placeholder at tight end. Teams regularly carry multiple tight ends during training camp and the preseason to trial blocking and pass-catching versatility. Okwuegbunam’s release signals that coaches either prefer other options on the practice squad or that the tight end room is sufficiently staffed.

Kamar Missouri’s exit is consistent with an offensive line recalibration. Bringing in a former top-10 pick who has starting experience reduces the need for Missouri’s developmental presence on the practice squad. Missouri may receive other opportunities elsewhere, but the Raiders made a clear choice of larger, more experienced bodies to anchor practice reps and emergency depth.

Cutting these three players is not an indictment of their talent; it is a function of roster prioritization. The practice squad only holds a finite number of players, and front offices must balance present needs with future possibilities.

Practice squad mechanics and opportunity: how players move from practice to the active roster

Practice-squad signings are more than bookkeeping; they establish depth charts in miniature and create pathways for midweek elevations. The active roster is fluid across a season due to injuries, performance fluctuations, and strategic matchups. Teams elevate practice-squad players to the game-day roster for a variety of reasons: injury replacement, matchup exploitation, special-teams needs, or to reward standout practice performance.

A player with Neal’s starting experience is valuable because he can be elevated and inserted into the lineup with minimal schematic disruption. An edge like Ojulari can slide into rotational pass-rush spots if the starter needs a rest or if the opponent’s offensive line presents exploitable angles. A receiver such as Bell can be a late-game decoy, a special-teams contributor, or a depth play in three- and four-receiver sets.

Some practice-squad players are developed intentionally with the expectation they will be active later in the season. Others are insurance that allows teams to preserve expensive cap resources while retaining the right to activate talent if the need arises. The success stories are varied: backup linemen who became starters after injuries, practice-squad receivers who earned larger roles through special-teams play, and pass rushers who found their rhythm after health returned.

The Raiders’ moves reflect a belief that at least one of these players could be a season-altering activation rather than a static reserve. That belief is grounded in recent preseason performance, college pedigree, familiarity with coaching staff tendencies, and positional scarcity.

What these signings suggest about the Raiders’ 2026 priorities

The trio of signings speaks to several priorities:

• Immediate depth: The team reinforced three areas where depth is scarce — the offensive line, edge, and receiver positions. Each addition targets an area that, in many team-building models, determines short-term competitiveness.
• Flexibility and upside: Neal offers positional flexibility; Ojulari offers situational upside as a pass rusher; Bell offers receiving and special-teams versatility. The common thread is optionality.
• Low-cost, high-reward approach: All three signings are low-risk. If they fail to progress, cap and roster penalties are limited. If they click, activating them patches roster holes without major transactions.

A franchise that has gone through front-office change and coaching shifts benefits from players who fit scheme needs quickly. These signings show an emphasis on immediate, tangible improvements rather than speculative long-term gambles.

How positional fit might play out schematically for the Raiders

Offensive line: Neal arrives as a potential interior stalwart. If he continues trending better at guard, he may compete to be the team’s most reliable run-blocking interior option. That would benefit a ground game reliant on consistent push and would buy time for the passing game by stabilizing inside lanes.

Edge rush: Ojulari’s role, if activated, would likely be situational early — clear passing downs, third-and-long subpackages, and perhaps some outside-the-box roles that exploit his burst. Coaches may use him in tandem with other pass-rush specialists rather than as a full-time snap-eater until he demonstrates stamina and health.

Receiving corps: Bell’s path is more conventional. He must earn trust on special teams and show reliable route running and hands in practice. Coaches will reward that with incremental offensive snaps. Depending on injuries or performance among the current receivers, he might be the first call-up to provide depth.

The Raiders can also use these players in hybrid packages. For instance, a running back-heavy game plan benefits from a sturdy guard who can sustain blocks across second-level defenders. Conversely, trailing in a shootout might precipitate Ojulari’s elevation for maximal pass-rush juice. Bell’s situational use could include boundary snaps to exploit mismatches or slot work in quick passing concepts.

Real-world parallels: other teams that revived big-name picks via new situations

The NFL has multiple examples where a change of environment unlocked previously dormant talent. These are not meant to be one-to-one comparisons but to frame how a fresh coaching staff and refined role can revitalize a player’s career.

• Sometimes, a move inside on the offensive line corrects issues exposed at tackle and allows a player to play to his strengths. The change often lessens the burden on foot speed and emphasizes leverage and power.
• Pass rushers with early injuries have returned to form when given a clear role and managed workloads; rotational usage can preserve explosiveness and reduce re-injury risk.
• Late-round receivers who secure roster spots typically do so by contributing on special teams and excelling in narrow packages before expanding their role.

These patterns provide a roadmap for what the Raiders might expect. They are not guarantees; rather, they illustrate plausible trajectories for players with Neal’s, Ojulari’s or Bell’s profiles.

The economics and cap perspective: why practice-squad signings make financial sense

Practice-squad deals are inexpensive relative to active-roster contracts. For teams balancing cap efficiency and roster depth, the practice squad is a crucial lever. Signing a former first-round pick like Neal to the practice squad eliminates the need for a heavier roster investment while retaining upside.

The financial calculus is particularly relevant for teams that want to avoid short-term panic moves — trades or free-agent splurges — that come with higher costs. Practice-squad signings act as cheap insurance policies. If a player's performance warrants an elevation, the team can promote him and re-evaluate. If not, the financial commitment remains minimal.

From a player’s perspective, the practice squad offers a chance to rebuild value. Neal, Ojulari and Bell can showcase growth in practice and game-day activations to earn a higher contract in future windows. The system aligns incentives: teams gain optionality at low cost, players gain a platform to resurrect or advance their careers.

Potential risks and what the Raiders must manage

Every signing carries risks. For Neal, the key is whether preseason improvement is sustainable in the regular-season tempo and against starter-level talent. For Ojulari, availability is the central concern; repeated injuries diminish reliability and erode trust. For Bell, the main hurdle is producing meaningful snaps beyond special teams and demonstrating consistent hands and route-running in limited opportunities.

The Raiders must also manage locker-room dynamics and developmental time. Younger players vying for the same jobs may see the signings as blocked opportunities, creating pressure on coaches to justify roster decisions. Coaches will need to communicate pathways clearly and ensure practice reps are distributed to optimize both development and immediate performance.

Finally, the potential of other teams to poach practice-squad players should shape how quickly Las Vegas moves to protect and retain these players if they look likely to be elevated regularly. Practice-squad rules allow other teams to sign players to their active roster, and successful practice-squad showings can prompt outside interest.

Scenario analysis: best-case, realistic, and worst-case outcomes for each signee

Evan Neal

• Best-case: Continued improvement at guard leads to active roster elevation, where he stabilizes run blocking and becomes a reliable starter in short order.
• Realistic: Plays high-quality scout-team snaps, provides emergency depth during injuries, and is occasionally activated for games requiring physical interior blocking.
• Worst-case: Regresses under regular-season pressure and remains a non-factor, eventually being released or picked up by another club.

Azeez Ojulari

• Best-case: Stays healthy, rediscovers rookie pass-rush form, earns an active role as a sub-package edge rusher, and accumulates sacks and pressures that alter game plans.
• Realistic: Serves as a mid-week elevation option in specific passing situations, supplies occasional impactful plays when healthy.
• Worst-case: Recurrence of injuries prevents meaningful contributions, and the Raiders move on after limited attempts.

Ronnie Bell

• Best-case: Proves value on special teams and in limited routes, earns repeated activations, and becomes a dependable fourth or fifth receiver.
• Realistic: Provides stable special-teams depth and occasional offensive snaps; remains on the practice squad unless injury opens a longer-term role.
• Worst-case: Fails to distinguish himself in practice and is eventually replaced by another receiver with higher upside.

These scenarios show how marginal improvements and health can swing a player’s value dramatically. That volatility is precisely why teams favor low-cost options with significant upside.

What the signings mean for Jeff Kubiak and the coaching staff

Signings like these are a vote of confidence in the front office and coaching staff’s evaluation process. Front offices identify mismatches between roster needs and free-agent availability, then target players who fit the coaching staff’s preferences and schematic needs.

For Jeff Kubiak and offensive-line coaches, Neal offers an opportunity to develop a player with starter experience in a controlled setting. For defensive coaches, Ojulari’s presence provides a pass-rush element to test against scout-team reps and to integrate into the rotational plan. For the special-teams coordinator and wide receivers coach, Bell’s signing reflects a willingness to explore receiver depth options that could change game-day packages.

These moves also reflect the staff’s readiness to be pragmatic and opportunistic. Rather than cling to preseason evaluations alone, the organization continues to iterate by adding and subtracting players as new information arrives.

How fans should read these moves: practical expectations

Fans should temper expectations while remaining engaged. Practice-squad signings do not always produce immediate results, but they do matter. They provide a safety net, and they occasionally produce breakout contributors.

The most practical expectation is incremental rather than immediate: these are depth moves that could evolve into bigger roles under specific circumstances. Injuries, scheme fit, and player development trajectories will determine whether any of the three break through. For supporters, the signing of Neal will generate the most intrigue due to draft status and tangible preseason improvement. Ojulari offers a tantalizing upside if he can stay healthy. Bell is the sort of addition that might not headline but that coaches appreciate if he can cover kicks and catch passes reliably when called upon.

Broader roster-building lesson: the value of optionality in NFL staff decisions

The Raiders’ recent moves embody a broader lesson in professional football roster design: optionality is a competitive advantage. A roster contested by injuries and performance swings benefits from players who offer multiple pathways to contribution. Neal can shift between guard and tackle reps in practice and, if necessary, provide emergency depth. Ojulari can be a situational pass-rush hammer. Bell can be both a receiver and special-teams performer. Collectively, they expand the Raiders’ strategic choices without imposing major long-term costs.

Teams that excel in the salary-cap era are those that combine positional savvy with opportunistic acquisitions. Practice-squad signings like these are the quiet engine of such an approach. They keep the team nimble and ready to adapt to the season’s inevitable turbulence.

What to watch next

• Practice reports: Coaches’ public comments and practice snaps will indicate which of the three signings is progressing fastest. Pay attention to who gets more scout-team reps and where they are graded by beat reporters.
• Short-term activations: Any elevation to the active roster will be an indicator of trust and immediate need. Game-day activations reveal coaching priorities.
• Injury trends: Watch the health of starters at offensive line, edge and receiver. The likelihood of any activation correlates with attrition.
• Other roster churn: The practice squad is fluid; the Raiders may continue to add or subtract players if better fits or more promising options become available.

Final take

The Raiders’ addition of Evan Neal, Azeez Ojulari and Ronnie Bell is a textbook execution of low-cost risk management and upside accumulation. Neal brings the tantalizing possibility of unlocking a former first-rounder inside at guard. Ojulari supplies pass-rush upside if health abides. Bell offers special-teams value and receiver depth. The moves do not solve every problem, but they improve the team’s margin for error.

A roster is a dynamic organism; across an 18-week regular season, the value of depth compounds. These practice-squad signings position the Raiders to respond to that reality without overpaying. Whether one or more of these players ultimately becomes a season-defining contributor remains to be seen. For now, Las Vegas has gained optionality and the chance to coax productive value from players with clear upside.

FAQ

Q: Why sign a former first-round pick to the practice squad rather than the active roster? A: Practice-squad deals provide teams with a low-cost way to retain players who have starter experience but may need time to acclimate, to recover from performance issues, or to retool their game for a new position. It preserves the option to elevate the player when needed without committing a roster spot or large salary immediately.

Q: Can another team sign these Raiders practice-squad players? A: Under standard practice-squad rules, other teams may sign players off another club’s practice squad to their active roster. The signing team typically must add the player to their 53-man roster, which creates friction and reduces the frequency of poaching, but the risk remains.

Q: How soon could one of these players be activated for a game? A: Activation timing depends on health needs, practice performance, and game-plan fit. If injuries occur or if a player demonstrates readiness in practice, elevations can happen on short notice, sometimes within a week. There’s no fixed timeline.

Q: Does Neal’s move to guard improve his long-term prospects? A: Moving inside can mask some of the footwork deficiencies that challenge tackles and highlight a player’s run-blocking strengths. If Neal maintains the preseason improvement he showed and he adapts to guard techniques, his long-term prospects improve materially. The practice squad provides a controlled environment for that development.

Q: What is the ceiling for Azeez Ojulari with the Raiders? A: Ojulari’s upside is as a situational edge rusher who can provide pressure and sacks in short bursts. If he stays healthy and integrates into the rotation, he could become a meaningful rotational piece and occasional starter in favorable packages.

Q: What will Ronnie Bell need to do to earn a spot on the active roster? A: Bell will likely need to demonstrate reliable hands, route discipline, and consistent special-teams play. Coaches often reward consistent, mistake-free performance in those areas with activations and eventual larger roles.

Q: Should fans be upset about the released players? A: Roster turnover is common and not always a reflection of a player’s potential. Front offices make decisions based on fit, upside, and roster balance. Released players often land elsewhere; the moves were designed to improve overall team flexibility.

Q: How frequently should fans expect similar practice-squad moves? A: Very frequently. The practice squad is one of the most active parts of an NFL roster across a season. Teams continuously rotate players in response to injuries, scouting evaluations, and performance.

Q: Could any of these signings influence trade or free-agent strategy later in the season? A: Yes. If one of these players demonstrates he can start or provide significant snaps, the Raiders may avoid making a short-term trade or pricey free-agent move to fill that role. Conversely, if none of the signings progress, the team may look externally to shore up deficiencies.

Q: How does this reflect on John Spytek and the front office? A: These moves showcase a nimble approach to roster management. They demonstrate an ability to capitalize on opportunities — acquiring players with draft pedigree and upside at modest cost — and suggest an emphasis on practical depth-building rather than headline-grabbing transactions.