You know football is close when teams start to announce their “unofficial” depth charts. For the Raiders, that was on Monday afternoon, and there were several fascinating things to note. You can take a look at the full depth chart here.
Today, we are breaking down the depth chart after the first few weeks of training camp. So without further ado, here are our five biggest takeaways from the Raiders’ initial depth chart:
1. Hunter Renfrow has won the starting slot receiver job
It didn’t take long for Renfrow to establish himself as a quality player in the NFL. After just two weeks of practice, Renfrow has already “won” the starting slot receiver job over the likes of Ryan Grant and J.J. Nelson.
The former Clemson receiver has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to win with separation and quickness despite his unassuming size. He’s a smooth route runner who knows how to set up defenders and is never afraid of taking a hit across the middle of the field.
Given the speed the Raiders have on the outside with Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams, Renfrow might just be the perfect receiver to play in the slot as he has proved he can win in the middle of the field. Look for him to have a significant role in the offense right away for the Raiders.
2. Maurice Hurst might not start in 2019
After a fantastic rookie season in which he recorded four sacks in just 13 games, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst appears to be one of the team’s building blocks moving forward. He was a first-round talent that fell to the fifth round due to a heart issue. But after his rookie season, Hurst appeared to be the steal of the draft.
However, despite his impressive 2018 season, Hurst isn’t listed as a starter on the initial depth chart. Instead, he’s stuck behind two run-stopping veterans in Johnathan Hankins and Justin Ellis. While both players are solid in their roles, neither has the pass-rushing ability or upside of Hurst.
It’s possible that Oakland may try to limit the number of snaps for its second-year defensive tackle and that’s why he is listed with the second team. Or, it could be a motivation tactic to raise the intensity and urgency in Hurst. Nevertheless, his spot on the second team is at least noteworthy.
3. Arden Key will be a designated pass rusher this season
When the Raiders traded away Khalil Mack before the season, it forced rookie defensive end Arden Key onto the field. Unfortunately for Key and the Raiders, the results weren’t great. Key recorded just one sack in 16 games, but he was a bigger liability against the run.
This year, the Raiders have a much better plan for their second-year edge rusher from LSU. After selecting Clelin Ferrell at No. 4 overall, the plan is to use Key as a designated pass rusher, keeping him fresher.
Key was listed as a second-string defensive end on the roster, but don’t read too much into that. When teams pass the ball, Key is going to be on the field. Hopefully, that leads to better results in 2019.
4. The Raiders want Josh Jacobs to win the starting RB job
Without much hesitation (it appears), the Raiders listed rookie Josh Jacobs as the starting running back entering the preseason. Behind him is veteran Doug Martin and pass-catching back Jalen Richard, who will likely have a small role in the offense.
Often, you will see teams list rookies low on the depth chart early in camp as they need to “earn” their starting job. But for the Raiders, there appears to be no doubt in anyone’s mind as to who will be running the football in Oakland.
This running back job is Jacobs’ to lose, and it doesn’t appear that will be happening anytime soon. Look for the rookie runner from Alabama to rack up the touches early in his NFL career.
5. Rookie Johnathan Abram is going to start in 2019
It’s not often NFL teams list “co-starters” on a depth chart, but that is what the Raiders did at free safety. On the team’s initial depth chart, both Lamarcus Joyner and rookie Johnathan Abram were listed as the first-string free safety.
What that likely means is on early downs, Joyner will be the free safety. But when the Raiders go to their nickel package (which is now the default base package in the NFL), Joyner will play in the slot with Abram sliding in to replace him at safety.
One thing is for sure: Abram is going to be on the field a ton as a rookie. He may even split snaps with Karl Joseph as the strong safety when they are in their base defense. Look for the No. 27 pick to be a big part of Oakland’s defense this season.
