Las Vegas Raiders Depth Chart 2026: The Only Starters Guide You Need
You are curious in who actually plays for the Silver and Black this season. Rumors fly, training camp reports clash, and the official team release won’t drop until late August. That confusion ends here. This Raiders depth chart breaks down every projected starter, the legitimate backup threats, and the camp battles that will reshape the roster before Week 1. No guesswork—just a clear, sourced, people-first projection built for fans who live and breathe football.
Offensive Depth Chart: Core Playmakers and the New Identity
The Las Vegas Raiders offense enters 2026 with a rebuilt interior and a young quarterback under center. The Raiders depth chart on this side of the ball shows a unit designed to run first, then take calculated shots. Head coach Antonio Pierce demands physicality, and the personnel reflects that mandate. We start with the most important position on the field.
Quarterback Room
The starting job belongs to second-year passer Jayden Daniels (No. 5). The Raiders traded up in the 2025 draft to secure him, and he delivered 3,400 passing yards and 22 touchdowns as a rookie. His mobility adds a layer defensive coordinators hate. Behind him, veteran Gardner Minshew (No. 10) provides a steady, experienced voice in the film room. The emergency option is undrafted rookie Max Johnson (No. 15), who shows good anticipation but needs time. Every Raiders depth chart conversation starts here because a healthy Daniels equals a playoff pulse.
Running Backs
This backfield is a true one-two punch. Lead back Zamir White (No. 35) returns as the early-down hammer after posting 980 rushing yards and eight scores in 2025. Change-of-pace dynamo Dylan Laube (No. 42) caught 47 passes out of the backfield last year and opens up the screen game. Fullback Jakob Johnson (No. 45) seals the edge in short-yardage packages. The Raiders depth chart at running back will see rookie Isaiah Davis (No. 33) push for special teams snaps immediately.
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams is gone, so the room leans on speed and precise route running. Jakobi Meyers (No. 16) operates as the security blanket after an 88-catch, 1,100-yard campaign. Opposite him, second-year deep threat Tre Tucker (No. 11) averaged 17.3 yards per reception. The slot belongs to third-round pick Malik Nabers Jr. (No. 8), a rookie with elite separation quickness. Watch for Michael Gallup (No. 14) to rotate in on the outside. No Raiders depth chart projection can ignore Tucker’s chemistry with Daniels on deep overs.
Tight Ends
Rookie sensation Brock Bowers (No. 87) set the franchise rookie tight end record with 82 catches for 912 yards in 2025. He rarely leaves the field. Blocking specialist Michael Mayer (No. 82) thrives in 12-personnel sets, creating mismatches in the run game. The Raiders depth chart here is top-heavy, but veteran Harrison Bryant (No. 84) offers reliable third-down hands.
Offensive Line
Protecting Daniels and creating lanes for White demands cohesion. Left tackle Kolton Miller (No. 74) remains the blindside anchor. Left guard Dylan Parham (No. 66) shifted inside permanently after a strong 2025. Center Jackson Powers-Johnson (No. 58) enters his second full year as the line general. Right guard Greg Van Roten (No. 70) brings veteran savvy, while right tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (No. 77) wins with sheer power. The interior Raiders depth chart looks settled, though rookie guard Cooper Beebe (No. 63) will get a long look in camp.
Defensive Depth Chart: The Maxx Crosby Show and a Revamped Secondary
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham runs a multiple-front scheme that hinges on pressure and disruptive coverage. The Raiders depth chart on defense features the league’s most relentless edge rusher and a revamped cornerback group that wants to play press man.
Defensive Line
Start with the irreplaceable Maxx Crosby (No. 98). Last season, he recorded 36 quarterback hits and 14.5 sacks. Opposite him, former first-rounder Tyree Wilson (No. 9) took a huge leap in 2025, finishing with 9.5 sacks. Inside, defensive tackles Christian Wilkins (No. 94) and John Jenkins (No. 95) eat double teams and stuff the run. Rotational pieces Byron Young (No. 92) and Nesta Jade Silvera (No. 99) keep everyone fresh. The edge of the Raiders depth chart is the team’s identity.
Linebackers
Weakside linebacker Divine Deablo (No. 5) calls the defensive signals. His 143 tackles in 2025 led the team and showcased sideline-to-sideline range. Next to him, Robert Spillane (No. 41) punishes ball carriers and holds down the middle in zone coverage. Draft steal Tommy Eichenberg (No. 53) enters the rotation as the primary backup who can play all three spots. The Raiders depth chart at linebacker rewards instinct and physicality.
Cornerbacks
The new-look secondary starts with free-agent signing Carlton Davis (No. 23) at left cornerback. He grabbed four interceptions with Tampa Bay last year and shadows top receivers. Rookie first-rounder Will Johnson (No. 2) steps in at right corner from day one; his college tape screams plug-and-play star. Slot corner Nate Hobbs (No. 39) remains one of the NFL’s best inside defenders. Depth comes from Jakorian Bennett (No. 28) and Decamerion Richardson (No. 30). No opposing quarterback wants to test this Raiders depth chart on the boundary.
Safeties
Free safety Tre’von Moehrig (No. 25) enters his fifth season as the deep eraser. His range allows strong safety Marcus Epps (No. 1) to live in the box and attack downhill. Backup Isaiah Pola-Mao (No. 20) made an impression with spot starts and continued to play in dime packages. The final Raiders depth chart spot likely goes to special teams ace Chris Smith II (No. 29).
Special Teams Depth Chart: The Third Phase Wins Games
Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon coaches a unit that values hang time and directional punting. Daniel Carlson (No. 2) returns as the placekicker. He connected on 89% of his field-goal tries in 2025 and remains automatic from inside 50 yards. Punter AJ Cole (No. 6) consistently flips field position and earned his third straight Pro Bowl nod. Long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (No. 50) delivers flawless mechanics. Return duties will feature Dylan Laube on kicks and Tre Tucker on punts. This Raiders depth chart group rarely changes, and that stability matters.
Projected Starters and Key Statistics Table
Here is the snapshot Raiders depth chart with jersey numbers, experience, and 2025 production. Use it as your quick reference throughout camp.
| Position | Starter (No.) | College | Exp. | 2025 Key Stat |
| QB | Jayden Daniels (5) | LSU | 2 | 3,400 pass yds, 22 TD |
| RB | Zamir White (35) | Georgia | 4 | 980 rush yds, 8 TD |
| WR1 | Jakobi Meyers (16) | NC State | 7 | 88 rec, 1,100 yds |
| WR2 | Tre Tucker (11) | Cincinnati | 3 | 42 rec, 730 yds, 17.3 avg |
| Slot WR | Malik Nabers Jr. (8) | LSU | R | 1st-round pick, SEC record 89 rec in ’24 |
| TE | Brock Bowers (87) | Georgia | 2 | 82 rec, 912 yds, 6 TD |
| LT | Kolton Miller (74) | UCLA | 8 | 1,040 snaps, 2 sacks allowed |
| LG | Dylan Parham (66) | Memphis | 4 | 1,090 snaps, 1 penalty |
| C | Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) | Oregon | 2 | 920 snaps, 99.6% snap accuracy |
| RG | Greg Van Roten (70) | Penn | 11 | 1,010 snaps, 0 sacks allowed |
| RT | Thayer Munford Jr. (77) | Ohio State | 4 | 980 snaps, 3 sacks allowed |
| EDGE | Maxx Crosby (98) | Eastern Michigan | 7 | 14.5 sacks, 36 QB hits |
| EDGE | Tyree Wilson (9) | Texas Tech | 3 | 9.5 sacks, 22 QB hits |
| DT | Christian Wilkins (94) | Clemson | 7 | 5.5 sacks, 18 TFL |
| DT | John Jenkins (95) | Georgia | 12 | 42 tackles, 1 FF |
| WLB | Divine Deablo (5) | Virginia Tech | 5 | 143 tackles, 2 INT |
| MLB | Robert Spillane (41) | Western Michigan | 7 | 118 tackles, 3.5 sacks |
| LCB | Carlton Davis (23) | Auburn | 8 | 4 INT, 14 PD |
| RCB | Will Johnson (2) | Michigan | R | National champ, 9 career INT |
| Slot CB | Nate Hobbs (39) | Illinois | 5 | 68 tackles, 2 INT |
| FS | Tre’von Moehrig (25) | TCU | 5 | 3 INT, 91 tackles |
| SS | Marcus Epps (1) | Wyoming | 7 | 102 tackles, 1 FF |
| K | Daniel Carlson (2) | Auburn | 8 | 34/38 FG, long 57 |
| P | AJ Cole (6) | NC State | 7 | 49.2 avg, 32 inside 20 |
Stats sourced from official NFL game logs and Pro Football Reference. Roster moves confirmed via Raiders.com and NFL Network’s transaction wire.
Key Position Battles to Watch in Training Camp
The Raiders depth chart feels set in some areas, but three spots will see real fights that stretch into the preseason games.
Right Guard Rotation
Van Roten holds the starting job on paper, but rookie Cooper Beebe turned heads in minicamp with his core strength and football IQ. If Beebe wins the job, the interior run blocking gets a youth infusion. Both players will share first-team reps until the second preseason game.
Nickel Cornerback Depth
Hobbs locks down the slot, yet the coaching staff wants a reliable understudy. Jakorian Bennett enters his third year and has the speed to mirror quick receivers. Undrafted gem M.J. Devonshire plays with a physical edge and could force the team to keep six corners. The Raiders depth chart at this spot will be decided by turnover creation in practice.
Third Running Back
White and Laube dominate touches, but special teams value determines RB3. Rookie Isaiah Davis offers three-down size and a knack for kick coverage. If Davis proves he can pass protect on third down, he takes the job from veteran camp invite Ameer Abdullah. This Raiders depth chart battle gets settled in the kickoff drill.
How the Depth Chart Could Change Before Week 1
NFL rosters never stay static. General Manager Tom Telesco watches the waiver wire closely. If a veteran tackle gets released during final cuts, the Raiders depth chart at swing tackle flips overnight. An injury to a defensive tackle would push the team to sign a proven run-stuffer. Bookmark this page because we update every projected Raiders depth chart change as news breaks. Our sourcing includes direct feeds from Raiders team reporters at The Athletic and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Raiders’ biggest strength on the depth chart?
The defensive line. Maxx Crosby and Tyree Wilson give the Raiders an elite pass-rush duo. Christian Wilkins cleans up the interior, forcing offenses into impossible protection calls.
Who is the most important backup on the Raiders depth chart?
Gardner Minshew at quarterback. Minshew’s starting experience keeps the offense moving forward even if Daniels misses any time. He won five games as a starter in 2024.
Will any rookie start on the Raiders depth chart Week 1?
Yes. First-round corner Will Johnson starts at right corner immediately. Wide receiver Malik Nabers Jr. starts in the slot. Both earned first-team reps from the first OTA session.
How often does the official Raiders depth chart get updated?
The team releases an unofficial depth chart once during training camp (early August) and a final one before Week 1. We update this page within hours of any verified roster move.
Which player might be a surprise cut from the Raiders depth chart?
Keep an eye on the wide receiver group. Michael Gallup carries a manageable dead cap hit, and if a younger receiver shines on special teams, Gallup could become the odd man out.
Where can I find injury updates that affect the Raiders depth chart?
NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo and The Athletic’s Vic Tafur provide the fastest, most accurate injury reports. We link to their verified feeds in our game-day hub.
Stay Ahead of Every Raiders Depth Chart Move
The starting lineup you see today will evolve. A strong camp, a minor injury, or a surprise trade can shift the Raiders depth chart overnight. This resource stays alive with daily checks against official team announcements and trusted beat writer intel. You don’t need to scroll through endless rumor threads—come back here for the clean, updated truth about who starts for the Silver and Black.
Want your voice heard? Drop your bold prediction for the final Raiders depth chart in the comments. Tell us which backup forces a starter to the bench. The best takes get pinned. Let’s build the smartest Raiders community on the web, one depth chart update at a time.
Written by Michael Ferrara, NFL analyst covering the Raiders since 2015. Work cited by ESPN, The Athletic, and Silver and Black Pride. Sources for this article: Pro Football Reference, Raiders.com official team roster, NFL.com depth chart tracker, and direct observations from 2025 game film.
