OTAs are starting around the NFL, which means it's time to take a look at how the Oakland Raiders' depth chart currently stands. The Raiders aren't done making moves, they could still sign a player or two and their are roster cuts before the season, but this is a projection of how the depth chart currently looks.
Not every player on the roster will be listed, since there's no real need to include UDFAs who won't make the team. Instead, think of this as an expanded two-deep depth chart. And, with fall camp yet to begin, much can and probably will change. With that in mind, here's the current Raiders' depth chart projection:
Quarterback
Starter:
Derek Carr
Backups:
Connor Cook
E.J. Manuel
Christian Hackenberg
Derek Carr will be healthy for the start of the season, which is the best news the Raiders could have.
Running Back
Starter:
Marshawn Lynch
Backups:
Doug Martin
Jalen Richard
DeAndre Washington
Seattle did not draft Rashaad Penny in the first round for him to come off the bench and head coach Pete Carroll said they believe Penny can be a three-down back for him. However, they have a lot of depth behind him that will make for one of the more intriguing battles during training camp.
Fullback
Starter:
Keith Smith
Not too much to discuss here. If the Raiders use a fullback again next year, as expected, it will be Smith.
Wide Receiver
Starters:
Amari Cooper
Jordy Nelson
Martavis Bryant (slot)
Backups:
Seth Roberts
Johnny Holton
Ryan Switzer
Marcell Ateman (rookie)
Oakland's starters might be the best group of receivers in the league - as long as each plays up to their potential. Cooper struggled with drops last year while Nelson has dealt with injuries and Bryant was lost in Pittsburgh's offense. But, this is a talented group that should excite Carr and Raiders fans alike.
Tight End
Starter:
Jared Cook
Backups:
Derrick Carrier
Lee Smith
Pharoah Brown
This is a group that leaves a bit to be desired. Can Cook finally produce on a consistent basis?
Offensive Line
Starters:
Donald Penn (left tackle)
Kelechi Osemele (left guard)
Rodney Hudson (center)
Gabe Jackson (right guard)
Kolton Miller (right tackle) (rookie)
Backups:
James Stone
Brandon Parker (rookie)
David Sharpe
Vadal Alexander
Jon Feliciano
Denver Kirkland
The enter and both guard spots are set in stone. The right tackle spot is as well with Miller, though he may take over at left tackle if the Raiders decide to cut Donald Penn. Feliciano will handle the center and guard backup duties. Sharpe and Alexander should be one the roster as a guard/tackle hybrid, but that would put the Raiders at nine linemen. They might not carry that many.
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Defensive Line
Starters:
Khalil Mack (defensive end)
Mario Edwards (defensive end)
Eddie Vanderdoes (defensive tackle)
Justin Ellis (nose tackle)
Backups:
Maurice Hurst (rookie)
Arden Key (rookie)
P.J. Hall (rookie)
Tank Carradine
The DE/OLB role for Mack means he's either a 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB depending on the set-up. The Raiders need someone to step up as an interior disruptive. Hopefully, Edwards can stay healthy and be that guy. Vanderdoes has serious potential, if healthy.
Linebackers
Starters:
Bruce Irvin (outside linebacker)
Tahir Whitehead (middle linebacker)
Emmanuel Lamur (outside linebacker)
Backups:
Derrick Johnson
Shilique Calhoun
Nicholas Morrow
James Cowser
Azeem Victor (rookie)
Oakland has tried to re-shuffle their linebacking core given how lackluster they were against the run last season. Irvin can work as an outside linebacker in either a 3-4 or 4-3 set, and don't be surprised if Johnson is in the starting lineup on opening day.
Secondary
Starters:
Gareon Conley (cornerback)
Leon Hall (cornerback)
Karl Joseph (safety)
Reggie Nelson (safety)
Backups:
Obi Melifonwu
Nick Nelson (rookie)
Senquez Golson
Marcus Gilchrist
Erik Harris
Darryl Worley
The Raiders are in really good shape here. Joseph has a bright future as an in-the-box safety, while Nelson is still a quality free safety. Conley also developed into a solid starter as a rookie last year, but this group is still looking for some depth.
Special Teams
Starters:
Giorgio Tavecchio (kicker)
Johnny Townsend (punter) (rookie)
Andrew DePaola (long snapper)
Tavecchio took over the kicking duties last year and is now the unquestioned kicker after the team parted with Sebastian Janikowski.
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