Raiders Depth Chart and Roster Battles Heading Into the 2026 Draft

The landscape of the Las Vegas Raiders roster has shifted significantly since the arrival of the current coaching regime led by Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly. As the organization prepares for the upcoming draft, the depth chart reflects a blend of high-priced veteran stability and explosive young talent. After a season of transition in 2025, the internal hierarchy is becoming clearer, though several positions remain in flux due to contract situations and the natural evolution of the scheme.

Analyzing the current depth chart provides a window into the team's strategic priorities. The focus remains on a physical, high-tempo offensive identity and a defensive front designed to dictate the pace of the game. With the draft just days away, this snapshot of the roster highlights where the team stands and where the remaining gaps might be addressed.

Quarterback: The veteran room

The hierarchy at the most critical position on the field is perhaps the most settled it has been in years. The decision to commit to veteran leadership under center has provided a stabilizing force for a unit that previously struggled with consistency.

Geno Smith: Holding the undisputed QB1 spot, his familiarity with the offensive philosophy and his ability to execute the vertical passing game have solidified his standing. His contract status suggests he is the short-to-medium-term answer, providing a bridge while the team evaluates younger developmental pieces.
Kenny Pickett: Acquired via trade to provide high-end backup insurance, Pickett occupies the QB2 role. He offers a mobile alternative and has shown enough starting experience to keep the offense functional should the starter miss time.
Aidan O'Connell: Now a seasoned member of the room, O'Connell provides depth and a high football IQ. While he has been overtaken in the primary rotation, his value as a cerebral backup who knows the system cannot be understated.
Cam Miller: The developmental project in the room. His presence at the bottom of the depth chart is about long-term potential rather than immediate contribution. His performance in limited reps suggests a player the staff is keen on nurturing.

The quarterback room is characterized by experience. The Raiders have moved away from the volatile carousel of previous seasons, opting instead for a "win-now" mentality backed by reliable depth.

Running Back: The Jeanty era

The backfield underwent a total transformation over the last twelve months. The identity of the offense now flows through the running game, with a clear focus on versatility and home-run threat capability.

Ashton Jeanty: As the centerpiece of the backfield, Jeanty's role as the primary workhorse is non-negotiable. His ability to impact both the rushing and receiving facets makes him a three-down player who rarely leaves the field in high-leverage situations.
Zamir White: Occupying the secondary role, White provides a contrasting physical style. He remains a valuable short-yardage and goal-line option, though his snap count is heavily dictated by the flow of the game and the specific personnel packages.
Raheem Mostert: The veteran presence in the room. While age is a factor, his top-end speed remains a functional asset in specific rotation roles. He serves as a mentor to the younger backs while providing a reliable change-of-pace option.
Dylan Laube: A specialized weapon whose primary value lies in the passing game and special teams. His placement on the depth chart reflects a niche role as a gadget player who can create mismatches against linebackers.

The depth here is robust. The Raiders have successfully built a room that can withstand the high attrition rate of the position, featuring a mix of youth, power, and elite speed.

Wide Receiver: Finding the right balance

The receiver room is currently a mix of established route-runners and raw, developmental speed. While the top of the depth chart is productive, the battle for the rotational spots remains one of the more competitive areas of the roster.

Jakobi Meyers: The most consistent technician in the group. His ability to win in the intermediate areas of the field and his reliability on third downs keep him at the top of the rotation.
Amari Cooper: Since returning to the Silver and Black, he has reclaimed his spot as a primary target. His veteran savvy and refined route tree provide a necessary counterweight to the younger, faster players on the roster.
Tre Tucker: Primarily the deep threat, Tucker has seen his role expand. He is no longer just a situational speedster but is pushing for a more consistent share of the targets in three-receiver sets.
Dont'e Thornton Jr.: A player with significant physical tools who is still looking for a consistent role. He sits in a competitive spot where he must hold off younger challengers to maintain his place in the active rotation.
Jack Bech: After showing flashes in previous camps, Bech provides reliable hands and depth. He is currently fighting for a spot in the primary rotation, often serving as a backup in the slot.

The depth at receiver is functional, but there is a sense that the team is still looking for one more consistent playmaker to round out the group. The competition for the fourth and fifth spots will likely intensify through the summer.

Tight End: Dual-threat dominance

Perhaps the strongest position group on the entire roster, the Raiders utilize a heavy amount of multi-tight end sets. This strategy allows them to dictate personnel matchups and creates significant problems for opposing defenses.

Brock Bowers: A generational talent who is the focal point of the passing attack alongside the top receivers. His versatility allows him to line up in the slot, in-line, or even in the backfield. He is essentially a positionless offensive weapon.
Michael Mayer: The traditional in-line Y-tight end. His blocking ability is elite, and he remains a highly effective red-zone target. The pairing of Bowers and Mayer is the cornerstone of the Raiders' offensive identity.
Ian Thomas: Brought in to provide veteran depth and additional blocking prowess. His role is primarily situational, often appearing in "heavy" packages or when one of the primary targets needs a breather.

With two high-caliber starters, the Raiders have a level of depth at tight end that most teams in the league would envy. This allows the offense to remain explosive even when they are in traditionally "run-heavy" formations.

Offensive Line: The construction project

While the skill positions are largely settled, the offensive line continues to be an area of focus. There is a clear divide between the established anchors and the positions that are still seeing active competition.

Left Tackle: Kolton Miller: The undisputed leader of the line. His consistency provides the foundation for the entire unit. As long as he is healthy, the blind side is secure.
Left Guard: Dylan Parham: He has solidified his spot as a reliable interior presence. His athleticism fits the current scheme well, especially in the screen game and when pulling on run plays.
Center: Jordan Meredith / Jackson Powers-Johnson: This remains a key battleground. While Meredith has the experience, the push from the younger Powers-Johnson is significant. The team seems to be leaning toward the best five-man combination, which may involve moving players between center and guard.
Right Guard: Alex Cappa: A veteran stabilizer brought in to solidify the right side. His presence has helped the younger tackles develop by providing a consistent voice and reliable play in the interior.
Right Tackle: DJ Glaze: Currently slated as the starter, but he faces pressure from developmental tackles like Charles Grant. This is a position where the depth chart could shift based on training camp performance or potential draft additions.

The offensive line depth is serviceable but lacks the elite ceiling found in other units. The team has focused on versatility, ensuring that several players can play multiple positions across the front.

Defensive End: Maxx and the rotation

The defensive identity starts with the pass rush. The Raiders have invested heavily in ensuring that they can maintain a high level of pressure throughout all four quarters.

Maxx Crosby: The heart and soul of the defense. He plays an incredibly high percentage of snaps and remains one of the most productive edge defenders in the league. His spot is the most secure on the roster.
Malcolm Koonce: After a breakout period, he has solidified his spot as the primary bookend to Crosby. His speed off the edge provides the perfect complement to Crosby's power and relentless motor.
Tyree Wilson: Now entering a critical phase of his career, Wilson provides high-end rotational depth. He possesses the versatility to slide inside on passing downs, making him a valuable piece in sub-packages.
Charles Snowden: A reliable depth piece who has shown the ability to contribute in limited snaps. He provides a physical presence and is a key contributor on special teams units.

The edge group is one of the team's primary strengths. The depth here allows the Raiders to stay fresh and aggressive, particularly in divisional matchups against high-powered offenses.

Defensive Tackle: Beefing up the middle

The interior of the defensive line was a major focus of recent personnel moves. The goal was to create a wall against the run while providing enough interior push to prevent quarterbacks from stepping up in the pocket.

Adam Butler: A versatile veteran who can play multiple spots on the interior. His ability to penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield keeps him at the top of the rotation.
Jonah Laulu: He has earned a significant role through his consistency and strength at the point of attack. He is often the primary nose tackle in base sets.
Thomas Booker IV: Provides additional depth and is part of the heavy rotation used to keep the interior defenders fresh. His development has been a positive sign for the team's scouting department.
Leki Fotu: The primary run-stuffer. His role is specific: occupy double teams and allow the linebackers to flow to the ball. He is a situational player but vital for the team's goal of stopping the run.

While the interior lacks a household name, the collective depth is much improved. The Raiders rely on a committee approach here rather than a single dominant force.

Linebacker: Speed and coverage

Modern NFL defenses require linebackers who can run sideline-to-sideline and hold their own in coverage against athletic tight ends. The Raiders have prioritized speed in this unit.

Germaine Pratt: The leader of the unit. His ability to diagnose plays and his range in coverage make him an indispensable part of the defense.
Elandon Roberts: The thumper in the middle. He excels at downhill run support and provides a physical presence that sets the tone for the defense.
Devin White: A high-upside veteran who adds significant closing speed to the unit. While he rotates with the others, his ability to blitz and chase down plays from the backside is a unique asset.
Tommy Eichenberg: Providing valuable depth, Eichenberg has shown he can step in without a significant drop-off in production. He is the primary backup at the Mike position.
Cody Lindenberg: A younger player who is developing into a reliable rotational piece and a core special teams player.

The linebacker depth is significantly better than in previous years, allowing the defensive coordinator to be more creative with his blitz packages and coverage shells.

Secondary: The ongoing evaluation

The defensive backfield remains the most fluid part of the depth chart. While some positions are settled, others are subject to weekly competition based on the opponent and recent performance.

Cornerback: Eric Stokes: Currently the primary outside corner. His health has been a factor, but when available, he provides the speed and man-coverage ability the scheme requires.
Cornerback: Jakorian Bennett / Darnay Holmes: A constant battle for the other outside spot and the nickel role. Holmes has the edge in the slot, while Bennett's length makes him a candidate for the perimeter.
Cornerback: Kyu Blu Kelly / Darien Porter: Depth pieces who are fighting for snaps. Porter's elite speed makes him a player to watch, particularly if he can refine his technique.
Free Safety: Isaiah Pola-Mao: He has claimed the starting role through his range and ball skills. He is the primary deep-third defender in the Raiders' secondary.
Strong Safety: Jeremy Chinn: A versatile safety who can play in the box, cover tight ends, or blitz. His physical style is a perfect fit for the Raiders' identity.
Safety Depth: Chris Smith II / Tristin McCollum: Reliable backups who see significant time on special teams and can fill in at both safety spots if needed.

The secondary has the talent to be effective, but it lacks the depth of the front seven. This remains the most likely area for further investment as the team looks to close the gap in a competitive division.

Special Teams: The foundation of stability

While other units have seen turnover, the specialists have remained the model of consistency. This is a quiet strength for the Raiders, often providing the margin of victory in close games.

Kicker: Daniel Carlson: One of the most accurate kickers in the league. His range and reliability under pressure are unquestioned.
Punter: AJ Cole: A perennial Pro Bowl candidate who excels at flipping the field. His ability to pin opponents deep is a critical component of the team's defensive strategy.
Long Snapper: Jacob Bobenmoyer: The unsung hero of the unit, providing perfect snaps for both kicks and punts.
Returners: Tre Tucker / Dylan Laube: The team utilizes a mix of Tucker's pure speed and Laube's vision. Both are capable of game-changing returns.

Roster outlook and draft priorities

Looking at the depth chart as it stands on April 21, 2026, the Raiders have a roster that is largely "complete" but still features specific areas for improvement. The depth at tight end, running back, and defensive end is elite, providing a high floor for the team's performance.

However, the holes at right tackle and the lack of a true shut-down cornerback suggest where the front office might focus its attention in the draft. The secondary, while improved, could benefit from a high-pedigree addition to provide more stability against elite passing attacks. Additionally, the interior of the offensive line remains a work in progress, and another young, athletic guard could be a priority.

The strategy appears to be building around a core of veteran leaders while infusing the roster with high-upside rookies at premium positions. The current depth chart reflects a team that has moved past its rebuilding phase and is now focused on fine-tuning the roster for a deep postseason run. The competition during training camp will be fierce, particularly in the secondary and on the right side of the offensive line, as players fight to secure their spots on the final 53-man roster.

Ultimately, the 2026 Raiders depth chart is a testament to a clear vision. By prioritizing physical lines and explosive skill players, they have created a lineup that is difficult to match up against. As the draft approaches, the foundation is solid, leaving the team in a position to take the best player available rather than reaching out of desperation—a luxury that comes from disciplined roster building.