Raiders UDFA With Best Chance To Make Roster: Ron Stone Jr. (NFL)
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Raiders UDFA With Best Chance To Make Roster: Ron Stone Jr.

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
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The Las Vegas Raiders embraced competition by agreeing to terms with 17 undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft. Former Washington State defensive end Ron Stone Jr. was among the standout UDFA signings. Stone Jr. possesses a terrific opportunity to don the Silver and Black this season.

Raiders general manager Tom Telesco furiously pursued Stone Jr.'s signature after the draft. Stone Jr. signed a deal that contains $170,000 in total guarantees according to Spotrac. It makes him the second-highest-paid undrafted free agent signed by the Raiders and increases his chances of making the 53-man roster.

Stone Jr. strung together an outstanding workout at Washington State's pro day. The 6-foot-3, 247-pound EDGE is a well-built prospect with eye-popping athleticism. Stone Jr. had a 35.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-3 broad jump. The Cougars standout also ran a quality 4.69 40 with a 1.63 10-yard split.

Stone Jr. departs the Washington State program with 202 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks. He enjoyed a career-best season in 2023, totaling 60 tackles, 11 for a loss, and 5.0 quarterback takedowns. It was the second five-sack season for Stone Jr., who primarily uses a long-arm and stab-club to get after quarterbacks with a relentless motor. The San Jose, California native also forced three fumbles in 2023 and had five total forced fumbles for his career.

It's worth acknowledging the familial connection that helped Stone Jr. identify the Raiders as his preferred destination. His father Ron Stone was a 13-year offensive lineman who captured two Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys and qualified for two Pro Bowls. The elder Stone concluded his career with the Raiders in 2005. Stone Jr. will attempt to follow in his successful footsteps.

The Raiders are entering the season with two clear-cut starters at defensive end. Maxx Crosby is a superstar and Malcolm Koonce enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023 with 8.0 sacks. There's competition for spots behind them, especially with sophomore top-10 pick Tyree Wilson being an inside-outside player.

Janarius Robinson and Elerson Smith are among the back-end players Stone Jr. will attempt to push throughout training camp and the preseason for snaps. A 2021 fourth-rounder of the Minnesota Vikings, Robinson is already on his third team and spent time on the Raiders' practice squad last year before being elevated to the active roster. The same goes for Smith, another 2021 fourth-round pick of a different organization that's already considered a journeyman. Not exactly a murderer's row of competition.

The Raiders don't possess much depth behind Crosby and Koonce. Stone Jr. played quality football in the historically competitive PAC-12 conference this past season. He’s a disruptive defender that should maximize his opportunity to compete for a 53-man roster spot in Las Vegas.

Other Raiders undrafted free agents worth monitoring throughout the summer include cornerbacks Ja’Quan Sheppard (among the league’s highest-paid UDFAs) and Rayshad Williams, wide receivers Lideatrick Griffin and Ramel Keyton, and interior offensive linemen Will Putnam and Clark Barrington.



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