Oakland Raiders Unofficial Depth Chart Released
The pads went on last Monday in Napa, California at the Oakland Raiders 2017 Camp. Today, one week later, the Raiders first unofficial depth chart has been released. This is for the August 12th game versus the Arizona Cardinals, in Phoenix.Remember this is unofficial, however, there are some interesting surprises for Raiders fans here.
Offense.
Quarterback.
Derek Carr is the starter here. However E J Manuel has been blowing the doors off the back up job. So far, he is making the back-up job a “One Horse” race. And that Connor Cook‘s performance so far is not doing him any favors. How well these two do in actual preseason games could anoint Manuel or tighten the race. This big question though might be whether Raider General Manager Reggie McKenzie goes with three QBs on the roster, during the season, or only two.
Advantage- E J Manuel.
Running Back, Full Back, Tight End and Wide Receiver.
There is really not much surprising in the line ups here. The battles for those final running back, tight end, and wide receiver spots are very close and will only be decided at the wire. The real factor will probably come down to their special team play in the preseason games.
Advantage Vets- but still wide open.
Offensive Line.
With Donald Penn still holding out, Marshall Newhouse will start at left tackle. This has been a sore spot with Raiders offensive line coach Mike Tice. He had pretty much inked Newhouse as the starting Right Tackle. Now Vadal Alexander is currently atop the Right Tackle.
Defense.
Middle Linebacker.
Marquel Lee looks to get first crack at being the starting MLB for the Raiders. He has distanced himself daily from the competition. Tyrell Adams is a far second, then Xavier Woodson-Luster, and Najee Harris.
Advantage- Marquel Lee.
Front Seven. This list appears to be set as a base 4-3.
The Raiders have Khalil Mack listed as a defensive end, however he stands as a strong side linebacker as often as he has his hand in the dirt. When Mack is a defensive end, Bruce Irvin will be the strong side backer, when Mack is the strong side backer, Irvin will be the weak side linebacker. Cory James is leading the pack as the weak side backer when Irvin is not in that role. Other notables are James Cowser behind Mack. Mario Edwards JR sits atop the DE opposite Mack with Denico Autry right behind him.
In the middle the big surprise is Eddie Vanderdoes starting at 3tech Defensive Tackle. By all accounts the rookie from UCLA has impressed everyone so far, so it will be interesting to see him in a game situation. Justin “Jelly” Ellis is penciled in at Nose Tackle.
Advantage at Defensive Tackle- Vanderdoes.
Defensive Backs.
Big news came out of camp this past week when Sean Smith was demoted and T.J. Carrie bumped up into his spot. That said Smith is still listed above Carrie in this unofficial depth chart. Of course that might not mean much as Keith McGill is still listed right behind Reggie Nelson, but is likely possible to miss a significant portion of the regular season. Gareon Conley is still listed behind David Amerson, however he has not practiced yet due to shin splints.
Back to work tomorrow.
Practice will resume on Tuesday, as the team gears up for its first preseason battle on the 12th in Arizona. That game will begin to really show what this team has as to its special teams. Earlier this week Brad Seely, the Raiders Special Teams Coach said “We have Suspects and Prospects”. This Saturday hopefully there wont be any “suspects”.
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