Raiders Rookie Report: Who Is Rising (and Falling) on Depth Chart?

The Las Vegas Raiders drafted 10 players during the offseason. Some are rising, some are falling.

Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) runs a drill during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Las Vegas Raiders added several talented players to their roster this offseason. Although they were productive in free agency, they were even more productive in the NFL Draft, adding 10 players who each have a chance to make an impact during training camp, and potentially beyond.

Las Vegas' training camp practices have helped Klint Kubiak's coaching staff get a better idea of what the players can do. Of the 10 players the Raiders drafted this offseason, some are rising up the depth chart, and some are falling.

Some of the 10 players Las Vegas added via the draft are neither rising nor falling, but doing exactly what they were expected to do, even in a reserve role, such as Trey Zuhn and Dalton Johnson. Below is a list of players rising and falling.

Rising: CB Hezekiah Masses

Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Hezekiah Masses (35) runs a drill during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Las Vegas' need for competent cornerbacks left the door wide open for any cornerbacks on the roster looking to secure a roster spot. The Raiders' group of cornerbacks has long been an issue, as they have spent most of the past few seasons searching for multiple cornerbacks.

The Raiders have drafted three cornerbacks in the past two seasons and added two more via free agency. Rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses has begun climbing up the depth chart in training camp, as he has shown he may have some of the best cover skills on the team aside from Eric Stokes.

Nov 29, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears defensive back Hezekiah Masses (5) before the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It will take the Raiders several more offseasons to fully rebuild their CB group, but it is unquestionably one of their top goals. With Stokes and Taron Johnson leading the way, Las Vegas now needs other cornerbacks on the roster to step up.

The Raiders play in a division with some of the best quarterbacks in the league; they must prepare their cornerbacks as if this is the case. So far, Masses looks to be part of the answer moving forward. Defensive backs coach Joe Woods recently shared his thoughts on Masses' development.

Jun 2, 2014; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive backs coach Joe Woods at organized team activities at the Raiders Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"He can cover. I'm all about getting on the body just in terms of being tight whenever we play press. He has that skill set,” Woods said following training camp.

“There’s some guys in the past that he reminds me of in terms of quickness, like Denzel Ward had that extreme lateral quickness where he can get on the body. He has that same type of trait. Not saying he's Denzel, he's got a long way to go, but there are some really good things that he's doing."

Falling: IDL Brandon Cleveland

Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackles Benito Jones (94) and Brandon Cleveland (90) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cleveland has not done anything particularly wrong; however, he has not stood out much either, and that is part of the problem. Cleveland also plays along the interior defensive line, which is arguably the position group Las Vegas has the most talent at; this is also a factor in his fall.

Cleveland was a seventh-round draft pick. So, it is not a bad thing for him to be "falling" down the depth chart. If anything, it is to be expected, but there are things the rookie can do to trend upward instead of downward. It will be up to him to figure those things out and execute.

Rising: WR Malik Benson

Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) runs a drill during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Along with Masses, Benson has seemingly taken a positive step forward with each training camp practice. Also, along with Masses, Benson plays a position the Raiders will handle by committee, opening the door to any player who can prove their value at the position.

Benson has quickly become one of those players, as Las Vegas continues to figure things out at wide receiver. He will also provide value to the Raiders on special teams, as his speed makes him a threat whenever he gets his hands on the ball. Raiders quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan explained.

"Malik has done a great job. We're happy he's here. I know Fernando's happy he's here. I think when you have all of the young guys that come together, there's a benefit obviously to that. Just learning the subtle nuances and the body language," Sullivan said following training camp.

“If that can help the anticipation, then we're able to get that ball out and have that timing that we talked about, which everybody likes. Certainly, the o-line coach likes it. And not taking sacks or making bad decisions, so that's definitely a benefit for us."