Raiders’ Week 1 Depth Chart Reveals Several Surprises, Opportunities

The Las Vegas Raiders are moving right along. Las Vegas is all but set to take the field for the first time under Klint Kubiak on Sunday, marking his first regular season as a head coach.

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The Raiders recently released their depth chart ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. We share our thoughts below.

Quarterback

1. Kirk Cousins
2. Fernando Mendoza
3. Aidan O’Connell

Analysis: There are no surprises here, as Kubiak had recently named Cousins the starter. Considering the third quarterback on the roster can only play if the first two quarterbacks are hurt, and the fact that the Raiders just used the No. 1 pick on Mendoza, this is pretty cut-and-dried.

As they move into the regular season, Kubiak hopes the trio will continue pushing each other.

“I think there’s so many examples both ways. I think the most important thing with the quarterback room or any other position is to build competition within the room,” Kubiak said.

“That makes players so much better, faster than coaching. When they have a guy in front of them that they can look up to and they can see how something’s done, that’s going to accelerate their growth.”

Running Back

1. Ashton Jeanty
2. Mike Washington
3. Dylan Laube

Analysis: Washington will carry most of the load until Jeanty returns. However, if something happens to Washington before Jeanty returns, this could quickly become a position of concern, as it has been for the past three seasons. Las Vegas needs Jeanty to return as soon as possible.

Fullback

1. Connor Heyward

Analysis: Heyward plays a critical role.

Tight End

1. Brock Bowers
2. Michael Mayer
3. Ian Thomas

Analysis: As expected.

Wide Receiver

1. Jalen Nailor
2. Malik Benson

Analysis: Bensonmay have permanently supplanted Dont’e Thornton Jr.

Wide Receiver

1. Tre Tucker
2. Jack Bech
3. Dareke Young

Analysis: Starting Week 1, all eyes will be on the Raiders’ committee of receivers.

Left Tackle

1. Kolton Miller
2. Charles Grant

Analysis: Las Vegas needs Miller to return to form. Grant needs additional, meaningful repetitions.

Left Guard

1. Spencer Burford
2. Atonio Mafi

Analysis: Las Vegas hopes that Burford can be dependable far beyond just the preseason.

Center

1. Tyler Linderbaum

Analysis: Linderbaumand Trey Zuhn will man the starting and reserve roles.

Right Guard

1. Jackson Powers-Johnson
2. Caleb Rogers

Analysis: Las Vegas’ coaching staff hopes to get the best version of Powers-Johnson this season, starting in Week 1. There is still a noticeable drop-off in talent between him and Caleb Rogers, but not as much as there was last season.

Right Tackle

1. DJ Glaze
2. Trey Zuhn

Analysis: Glaze will soon embark on his third season of potentially starting nearly every game for the Raiders. This is important. He must raise his level of play to match his durability. Zuhn is a versatile reserve offensive lineman primed for a future starting role.

Defensive End

1. Maxx Crosby
2. Malcolm Koonce

Analysis: This may be the season the Raiders make more than just a one-year decision on Koonce. It is hard to imagine, but the 2026 season could be the last ride for both Crosby and Koonce.

Defensive Tackle

1. Adam Butler
2. Folorunso Fatukasi
3. Thomas Booker

Analysis: This is a solid rotation. Expect to see them rotated often, likely more than any other position on the field for Las Vegas.

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Defensive Tackle

1. Tonka Hemingway
2. Jonah Laulu
3. JJ Pegues

Analysis: The same goes for this group. Las Vegas will rotate these three players often, but maybe not as much as at the other defensive tackle position.

Edge

1. Kwity Paye
2. Patrick Johnson

Analysis: Las Vegas will use Paye in multiple ways under defensive coordinator Rob Leonard. The depth chart could mean Johnson gets more playing time than some may expect.

Right Inside Linebacker

1. Nakobe Dean
2. Tommy Eichenberg
3. Segun Olubi

Analysis: Dean should help the Raiders’ defense tremendously. Olubi may work his way up the depth chart.

Left Inside Linebacker

1. Quay Walker
2. Cody Lindenberg

Analysis: Enjoy watching Walker and the many things he will do for Las Vegas’ defense this season.

Left Cornerback

1. Eric Stokes
2. Jermod McCoy
3. Darrell Luter Jr.

Analysis: Luter may soon end up higher on the depth chart. He may get more playing time on Sunday than McCoy.

Right Cornerback

1. Darien Porter
2. Hezekiah Masses

Analysis: It will be interesting to see how ready Masses is or is not Week 1.

Slot Corner

1. Taron Johnson

Analysis: Johnson quietly has big expectations this season.

Free Safety

1. Treydan Stukes
2. Isaiah Pola-Mao

Analysis: Stukes has shot up the depth chart, earning a starting position heading into the first week of the season. Las Vegas will run various fronts depending on its opponents, which could lead to Stukes and Pola-Mao switching starting roles throughout the season.

Strong Safety

1. Jeremy Chinn
2. Dalton Johnson

Analysis: Depending on their long-term plans and how he starts the season, Las Vegas’ front office may want to consider getting Chinn a new deal. He has continued to prove his value. It is fair to believe he’ll keep doing so.

Kicker

1. Matt Gay

Analysis: Gay had a solid training camp and preseason, rightfully winning the job.

Punter/Holder

1. AJ Cole

Analysis: Cole continues to play at a high level.

Kick Returner

1. Dylan Laube
2. Dareke Young

Analysis: Las Vegas’ roster has plenty of room for wide receivers looking to make a name for themselves.

Punt Returner

1. Malik Benson
2. Dylan Laube

Analysis: This was the place Benson was initially slated to make an impact. Heading into Week 1, Benson will have his opportunities on offense and special teams. He must make the most of them.

Today’s best reads

• Dissecting Updated Raiders Depth Chart After Roster Cuts
• Raiders’ Spytek Reveals Kubiak’s First 53-Man Roster: What It Means
• Why Raiders Fans Shouldn’t Obsess Over Lack of QB Decision
• 3 Raiders Storylines to Watch For in 2026
• How Raiders Can Expedite Rebuild, Enter Different Conversation in 2027

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/raiders/onsi as Raiders’ Week 1 Depth Chart Reveals Several Surprises, Opportunities.

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This story was originally published September 9, 2026 at 4:00 AM.