Hall of Fame Game: Four things to monitor for the Jaguars vs. Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders’ Depth Chart

The Las Vegas Raiders also dropped an unofficial depth chart heading into the Hall of Fame Game in Canton:

Nothing about this depth chart is particularly surprising either, but there are a few things that jump out on first view. There is no question about Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams, Darren Waller, and Kolton Miller when it comes to being No. 1 on the depth chart at their respective positions on offense. The same can be said about the defensive side of the ball with Maxx Crosby, Chandler Jones, Tre’Von Moehrig, and Rock Ya-Sin.

The pass catching group is much stronger after the addition of Adams, but the offensive line might take a step back from last season. Kolton Miller is an above-average option at left tackle, especially considering the fact that he’s improved each season as a professional. However, after that, it’s very unsteady. Their first-round pick from 2021, Alex Leatherwood, is listed as a starter at right tackle, but he still has to prove that he was worth the investment from the old regime.

Dylan Parham is a rookie out of Memphis and he has a real chance to grab a starting spot on the offensive line with a strong preseason. He’s No. 2 at left guard behind John Simpson, but Simpson will feel the heat if Parham plays up to par. Lester Cotton’s spot at right guard could feasibly be a landing spot for Parham too. It’s very much up in the air, but of these three names, Parham is the best player. So, I expect to see him in the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

The defense underwent a few major changes this off-season, too. First, they traded away Yannick Ngakoue to the Indianapolis Colts for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. Ya-Sin immediately became the best cornerback on the roster following that trade. Las Vegas replaced Ngakoue with Chandler Jones in free agency. Maxx Crosby just inked a life-changing multi-year extension, and he will look to continue building upon his strong resume since entering the league. There are many questions when it comes to the rest of the unit, but with these moves alone, the Raiders should be improved overall compared to their playoff team from 2021.

It is time to settle in and watch some NFL football on Thursday. The fact that most of the starters are not expected to play shouldn’t keep you from tuning in. Football is football after all! We are one week closer to the regular season returning, it will be here before we know it.