Raiders release first depth chart ahead of preseason game

By Case Keefer (contact)

Monday, Aug. 9, 2021 | 4:21 p.m.

The starting 11 for the first preseason game in the history of the Las Vegas Raiders is set — unofficially.

NFL teams are required to release depth charts heading into all games, and the Raiders complied by releasing their first one of the season heading into a 6 p.m. kickoff Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium. There were no major surprises on the depth chart as it mostly mirrored rotations from training-camp practices over the last two weeks but perhaps a few curious characteristics — especially on defense.

Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski and defensive end Clelin Ferrell indeed appear to be moved out of starting spots after they’ve mostly run with backups in camp.

Nicholas Morrow has overtaken Kwiatkoski’s starting middle linebacker role from last year, with Tanner Muse filling the latter’s empty outside linebacker spot. Ferrell is listed behind 2019 NFL Draft classmate Maxx Crosby at defensive end.

Quinton Jefferson had appeared to be a likely defensive tackle starter next to Johnathan Hankins but the depth chart lists him with Solomon Thomas and Darius Philon all as co-starters. Recent free-agent signee Gerald McCoy, perhaps the most decorated veteran on the defense, is listed as fourth-string presumably because he hasn’t even practiced in full with the team yet.

The depth chart is, again, unofficial and subject to change but it provides a pretty good idea of where the team currently stands heading into the first week of preseason. Check out the full two-deep below.

QB: Derek Carr-Marcus Mariota

RB: Josh Jacobs-Kenyan Drake

FB: Alec Ingold-Garrett Groshek

WR (1): Henry Ruggs II-John Brown

WR (2): Brandon Edwards-Zay Jones

WR (SLOT): Hunter Renfrow-Willie Snead

LT: Kolton Miller-Brandon Parker

LG: Richie Incognito-John Simpson

C: Andre James-Nick Martin

RG: Denzelle Good-Patrick Omameh

RT: Alex Leatherwood-Jaryd Jones-Smith

TE: Darren Waller-Foster Moreau

DE: Yannick Ngakoue-Carl Nassib

NT: Johnathan Hankins-Niles Scott

DT: Quinton Jefferson or Solomon Thomas or Darius Philon

DE: Maxx Crosby-Clelin Ferrell

SLB: Tanner Muse-Asmar Bilal

MLB: Nicholas Morrow-Nick Kwiatkoski

WLB: Cory Littleton-Javin White

LCB: Trayvon Mullen-Keisean Nixon

RCB: Casey Hayward-Damon Arnette

CB: Nevin Lason-Nate Hobbs

SS: Johnathan Abram-Karl Joseph

FS: Tre’von Moehrig-Dallin Leavitt

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.