With the first game of the regular season just two weeks away for the Oakland Raiders, it’s time to start wondering who will and who won’t start for the team when they take on the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.
Looking at the current depth chart, it appears Oakland could be in line to start as many as four rookies in Week 1. In a recent piece by Chris Wesseling of NFL.com, he listed the four potential rookie starters for Oakland in the season opener. Take a look at his thoughts on the four players and what they have done in the preseason so far:
Already given starter treatment, first-round running back Josh Jacobs has played just six snaps in two preseason tilts this month. His four carries for 21 yards against the Cardinals included a textbook cutback for an 8-yard gain. Jacobs leads a loaded Oakland draft class that might feature as many as four Week 1 starters, along with edge rusher Clelin Ferrell, safety Johnathan Abram and perhaps even fifth-round receiver Hunter Renfrow in the slot.
Without a doubt, the three first-round picks will all be listed as starters, with Hunter Renfrow being the one in question. Oakland could opt to make veteran J.J. Nelson a “starter” and play Antonio Brown in the slot. However, you can fully expect Renfrow to play at least 15-20 snaps in the team’s opener.
While the Raiders could have as many as four rookie starters, several rookies will have other important roles on the roster. Players such as Trayvon Mullen, Maxx Crosby, and Isaiah Johnson will all be key role players this season. Oakland’s rookie class has a chance to be one of the best in team history, and they will need them to excel to compete in a difficult AFC West this season.
