NAPA – The Raiders released their first depth chart of training camp on Monday. It's at this point every single year where we point out that it's unofficial.
It might've been put together by the media relations staff. Coaches have an organizational chart that will alter some by the first preseason game Friday versus Detroit.
Let's dissect this one, anyway. It's training camp tradition. Honestly, the list isn't far off from what's been observed in training camp thus far.
OFFENSE
WR – Jordy Nelson, Seth Roberts, Isaac Whitney, Marcel Ateman, Saeed Blacknall
Analysis: Ateman's seeing more first-team reps that everybody on the list, save Nelson. The rookie seventh-round pick has been strong to start camp, especially on deep passes.
LT – Kolton Miler, David Sharpe, Jylan Ware (Donald Penn on PUP)
Analysis: Penn should move to the top of the depth chart when healthy, but he's going to show well to stay there. Miller is being tested and is far from perfect, but coaches have been encouraged by his progress.
LG – Kelechi Osemele, Jon Feliciano, Jordan Simmons
Analysis: Both backups have been impressive. Feliciano is the primary reserve for all three interior spots
Sports
C – Rodney Hudson, James Stone, Cameron Hunt
Analysis: Feliciano works behind Hudson. In a perfect world, the Pro Bowler plays every single snap.
RG – Gabe Jackson, Oday Aboushi, Denver Kirkland
Analysis: Again, Feliciano's the backup here. Kirkland's gonna have to fight to keep his roster spot.
RT – Breno Giacomini, Brandon Parker, Ian Silberman
Analysis: Coaches are taking a long look at Silberman here. He has received tons of first-team work with Giacomini's inconsistent availability. Also, David Sharpe belongs in this group. He has worked primarily on the right.
WR – Amari Cooper, Martavis Bryant, Ryan Switzer, Dwayne Harris, Johnny Holton, Griff Whalen
Analysis: Switzer's in better standing than Bryant at this stage. He's the primary slot receiver. Gruden publicly demanded better from Bryant.
QB – Derek Carr, Connor Cook, EJ Manuel
Analysis: The battle to be Derek Carr's backup is real. Manuel might be the front runner, but the coaching staff is pushing Cook's development.
RB – Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin, Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington, Chris Warren, James Butler
Analysis: Seems likely either Richard or Washington make the squad, not both. That'll be a tough call. Butler has been flashed some despite signing during camp.
FB – Keith Smith, Ryan Yuracheck
Analysis: Smith's the guy here. Yuracheck could end up on the practice squad.
DEFENSE
DE – Tank Carradine, Fadol Brown, Frostee Rucker
Analysis: Notice a name missing from this list? No? Give it a second. It'll hit you like a Mack truck.
DT – Mario Edwards, PJ Hall, Treyvon Hester (Eddie Vanderdoes on PUP)
Analysis: Maurice Hurst should be in this list. He might be the primary three technique, though Edwards isn't letting go of a starting spot easy. He's been solid to start camp.
DT – Justin Ellis, Maurice Hurst, Ahtyba Rubin, Shakir Soto
Analysis: Ellis will play in the base, with a Hall, Edwards, Hurst rotation in the nickel.
DE – Bruce Irvin, Arden Key, Shilique Calhoun
Analysis: This is Irvin's spot, but Key's coming on strong and should provide pass-rushing depth the Raiders haven't had in years.
SLB – Emmanuel Lamur, Kyle Wilbur, James Cowser
Analysis: Lamur's been the guy here. That shouldn't change.
MLB – Derrick Johnson, Marquel Lee, Jason Cabinda
Analysis: This is a nod to the veteran Johnson. Lee is winning the battle to be the base defense middle linebacker. Johnson has been working in the nickel, though Morrow can play here, too. Cabinda could work a roster spot as well.
WLB – Tahir Whitehead, Nicholas Morrow, Azeem Victor
Analysis: Whitehead should be a three-down player. That's rare in this defense.
CB – Rashaan Melvin, Leon Hall, Shareece Wright, Antonio Hamilton, Tevin Mitchel, Raysean Prince
Analysis: Hall's the primary slot corner at this stage. Worley will be the first guy off the bench at either outside cornerback spot.
CB - Gareon Conley, Daryl Worley, Nick Nelson, Dexter McDonald
Analysis: See above on Worley. Nick Nelson will push for playing time, and should be the fifth corner at least.
S – Marcus Gilchrist, Reggie Nelson, Shalom Luani, Dallin Leavitt
Analysis: Gilchrist and Nelson could start and play together a lot. The safety spots are somewhat interchangeable.
S – Karl Joseph, Erik Harris, Obi Melifonwu
Analysis: Joseph is being pushed, but should still be part of a three-man safety rotation. Coaches love Harris. He's battling for a defensive role. And, yeah, Melifonwu's in the right spot. A place on the roster is not guaranteed.
SPECIAL TEAMS
P – Johnny Townsend
LS – Andre Depaola
K – Eddy Pineiro, Mike Nugent
Analysis: The only "battle" here is at kicker, but we all know that's Pineiro's gig.
KR – Dwayne Harris, Ryan Switzer, Griff Whalen, Nick Nelson
Analysis: Harris has to show well this preseason. Switzer could return kickoffs (and save them a roster spot) and provide some wiggle there.
PR -- Dwayne Harris, Ryan Switzer, Griff Whalen, Nick Nelson
Analysis: Gruden said Switzer was one of the best college punt returners he had ever seen. That's your clue on who should be atop this chart.
