Raiders Depth Chart: Who's Starting And Why?

Nov 7, 2025 by Team 45 views

Hey Raiders fans! Are you hyped for the upcoming season? One of the biggest questions on everyone's mind is always: Who's going to be starting? And, of course, why? That's where the Raiders depth chart comes in, your go-to guide for figuring out the pecking order on the team. This is a living document, constantly evolving as players compete, injuries happen, and coaches make their calls. So, let's dive into the current Raiders depth chart and break down the positions, the likely starters, and what you can expect as the season unfolds, shall we? This is going to be epic!

Offense: The Raiders' Playmakers and Their Roles

Alright, let's start with the fun part – the offense! This is where the magic happens, where the points are scored, and where fantasy football dreams are made (or crushed!). Here's a look at the key positions on the Raiders depth chart on the offensive side of the ball, focusing on the projected starters and the battles to watch.

Quarterback: The Leader of the Pack

Projected Starter: Assuming he stays healthy and continues to develop, Gardner Minshew is the guy right now. He provides experience and a reliable presence at the position.
Key Backup: The backup QB is always crucial. Expect to see some competition in training camp. A solid backup is essential in case of injury, and they can keep the offense running smoothly.
Why It Matters: The quarterback is the field general, the decision-maker, and the guy who touches the ball on every play. His performance sets the tone for the entire offense. Guys, this is a crucial position.

Running Back: Ground and Pound

Projected Starter: The Raiders need to establish a strong running game, and they'll be looking to Zamir White to carry the load. He's got the potential for a breakout season, if the offensive line can give him some running lanes.
Key Backups: Depth here is vital. You'll likely see a committee approach, with players like Alexander Mattison getting their share of carries. Having fresh legs and different skillsets can keep defenses guessing.
Why It Matters: A strong running game helps control the clock, wears down the defense, and opens up the passing game. It's a key ingredient for any successful offense. Plus, running backs can be huge in the passing game!

Wide Receiver: Catching the Football

Projected Starters: The Raiders are hoping for a receiving corps capable of making big plays. The goal is to get the ball into their hands and let them make plays. Expect the receivers to be targeted frequently.
Key Depth: The Raiders will need to have some depth at this position, and they will likely have their players rotate. A good group of receivers is essential for any team that wants to stretch the field and make explosive plays. The key is finding players who can get open and catch the ball consistently.
Why It Matters: Wide receivers are the primary targets in the passing game, and their ability to catch the ball, run routes, and gain yards after the catch is crucial for moving the chains and scoring points. This is where the highlight reel plays are made!

Tight End: Blocking and Receiving

Projected Starter: The Raiders' tight ends will play a significant role in both the running and passing games. Michael Mayer is expected to be the main pass-catching threat, and he's also a solid blocker.
Key Backup: A good backup can step in and contribute in various ways. They need to be good blockers and be able to catch the ball. The versatility of the tight end position makes it a valuable asset for any offense.
Why It Matters: Tight ends provide a versatile option for the offense, helping in both blocking and receiving. They can be a mismatch for linebackers and safeties, and their ability to catch passes in traffic can be a key weapon.

Offensive Line: The Guardians of the Quarterback

Projected Starters: Offensive line play is incredibly important, as the tackles need to protect the quarterback. The interior line must create running lanes. The Raiders are looking for a cohesive unit that can dominate the line of scrimmage. The goal is to keep the quarterback upright and open holes for the running backs. It is critical for an offense's success.
Key Depth: Having strong backups is important in case of injuries. They must be able to step in and keep the offense humming.
Why It Matters: The offensive line protects the quarterback, opens running lanes, and sets the tone for the entire offense. A good offensive line can make the difference between winning and losing. Plus, let's be real, a good offensive line can make a running back look like a superstar.

Defense: Stopping the Opposition

Now, let's flip the script and talk about the defense. This is where the Raiders have been working hard to improve, and where they hope to shut down opposing offenses. The Raiders need to make stops, force turnovers, and keep the points off the board. This side of the ball is just as important as the offense!

Defensive Line: The Wall

Projected Starters: The defensive line's goal is to pressure the quarterback and stop the run. They need to be disruptive and create opportunities for the linebackers and secondary. This is the first line of defense, the guys who set the tone for the entire unit.
Key Depth: Depth on the defensive line is vital. Being able to rotate fresh players in and out helps keep the pressure up and wear down the opposing offensive line. It is extremely important to have players that can come in and provide relief.
Why It Matters: The defensive line controls the line of scrimmage, pressures the quarterback, and stops the run. A strong defensive line can disrupt the opponent's offense and create turnovers.

Linebacker: The Heart of the Defense

Projected Starters: The linebackers are responsible for stopping the run, covering receivers, and blitzing the quarterback. They need to be athletic, smart, and able to make plays all over the field. Linebackers need to be versatile and able to do a lot of different things.
Key Depth: Depth at linebacker is essential, especially with the physicality of the position. Having players who can step in and fill multiple roles will keep the defense effective. Being able to rotate linebackers allows them to stay fresh and keep the pressure up.
Why It Matters: Linebackers are the heart of the defense, making tackles, covering receivers, and blitzing the quarterback. They must be able to do everything. A strong linebacker core can shut down the run, disrupt the passing game, and make big plays.

Secondary: The Last Line of Defense

Projected Starters: The secondary is responsible for defending against the pass and preventing big plays. They need to be smart, athletic, and able to make tackles. The goal is to shut down the passing game and force turnovers. The secondary is the last line of defense, and they are critical for preventing big plays and scoring opportunities.
Key Depth: Depth in the secondary is important because injuries happen. Having players who can step in and fill multiple roles helps keep the defense cohesive. Having the right players is what will make a difference.
Why It Matters: The secondary defends against the pass, prevents big plays, and creates turnovers. A good secondary can shut down the passing game and give the defense a chance to win.

Special Teams: The Unsung Heroes

Don't forget about special teams! These guys often get overlooked, but they can make a huge difference in field position and scoring opportunities.

Kicker

Projected Starter: The kicker is responsible for field goals and extra points. He needs to be accurate and consistent, especially under pressure.
Why It Matters: A reliable kicker can make the difference between winning and losing. Field goals can be the difference between winning and losing games.

Punter

Projected Starter: The punter is responsible for punting the ball downfield, and he helps control field position. He needs to be able to punt the ball far and accurately.
Why It Matters: A good punter can flip field position and keep the opposing offense pinned deep in their own territory. They can be critical in winning the field position battle.

Returners

Projected Starters: The returners are responsible for returning punts and kickoffs. They need to be fast, elusive, and able to make big plays. Their ability to make big plays can be a game-changer.
Why It Matters: A good returner can change the momentum of the game and provide the offense with excellent field position.

Watching the Raiders Depth Chart

This Raiders depth chart is a fluid situation. It is constantly changing based on performance, injuries, and coaching decisions. Here's how to stay in the loop:

Training Camp: This is where the real battles for starting spots happen. Keep an eye on reports from training camp to see who's making a name for themselves.
Preseason Games: Watch the preseason games to see the players in action and how they perform under pressure. These games provide a valuable look at who is ready to contribute.
Weekly Updates: Check the Raiders' official website and other reliable sources for weekly updates on the depth chart. These updates will reflect any changes due to injuries or performance.

In Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! Your guide to the current Raiders depth chart. Remember, things will change, but this should give you a good idea of where the team stands as the season approaches. Keep an eye on training camp, follow the preseason, and stay tuned for weekly updates. Go Raiders! Are you ready for some football? Let's go!