For the frist time in eight months we can say…it’s game week. The 2024 season starts on Sunday for the Raiders and with the start of the new season comes the first unofficial depth chart.
Takeaways:
The Raiders figure to start two tight ends with this year’s 13th overall pick Brock Bowers and last year’s second round pick Michael Mayer both on the team.
That being said, they could also choose to line up in three wide and if that happens, it would be Tre Tucker who gets the start along with Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. Either way, Tucker figures to see a good number of snaps.
Cody Whitehair gets the start at left guard due to the fact the Jackson Powers-Johnson missed all of camp with an undisclosed injury. If Whitehair struggles or the team thinks Powers-Johnson is ready to go.
Thayer Munford has been the starter at right tackle throughout the offseason and training camp. But he has been somewhat shaky while rookie DJ Glaze has impressed. Just like with Whitehair/JPJ that position could see a change in short order if need be.
Takeaways:
Christian Wilkins is the only every down interior defensive lineman on the team. Jenkins figures to rotate out with Adam Butler on passing downs.
Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce are the unquestioned starting edge rushers. Despite Tyree Wilson’s status as a former seventh overall pick, it’s Janarius Robinson who has earned the right to be the next man up.
Seven linebackers is a lot to keep on the active roster. Most likely a couple will be inactive on game day while a couple others will see time exclusively on special teams. Luke Masterson has been the next man up the past couple years.
Alternatively, cornerback is not very deep. And the two backups may not inspire a lot of confidence right away. DeCamerion Richardson is a rookie fourth round pick and Darnay Holmes was just signed to the roster last week. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next man up Week one is practice squad call up Sam Webb.
Isaiah Pola-Mao is the backup nickel or ‘big nickel’
Takeaways:
Tyreik McAllister proved he could be the best return man they have on this team. He is listed as the second teamer on both kicks and punts. Antonio Pierce has already hinted that he might have “be smart” with Tre Tucker being that he is a valuable asset as a receiver, which could signal McAllister gets the punt return duties. And the kick return job is probably pretty fluid while they feel out the new rules.