Notables from Raiders' First Unofficial Depth Chart

On Wednesday, the Las Vegas Raiders released their first unofficial depth chart of the 2023 season ahead of their first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 13.

While these depth charts are indicative of very little, teams are required to release them around this time of year, just before the preseason to have a loose outline of how they want to approach these tune up games.

These depth chart releases often elicit good and bad reactions from fans, even though they are subject to, and very likely will, change.

With that being said, let’s take a closer look at a few items of note on the Raiders’ first unofficial depth chart.

Jermaine Eluemunor as the starting right tackle -- The Raiders have kept their right tackle position open for competition throughout training camp, with as many as four different players fighting to earn the spot.

On the unofficial depth chart, it’s the incumbent Eluemunor listed as the starter at right tackle. Eluemunor played 801 snaps there last season, taking over for the injured Brandon Parker, who held down the spot in 2021.

This competition is still far from over, but it is not surprising that Eluemunor, who was the starter last season, is listed as the starter again.

Duke Shelley as a fourth cornerback -- Shelley was one of the more underrated signings of the free agency period, but finds himself behind Marcus Peters, Brandon Facyson, and Amik Robertson on the unofficial depth chart.

This should not be cause for concern though, as all these corners should find their way onto the field at some point. The Raiders added several cornerbacks in free agency, including Facyson, as well as Peters right before training camp.

While it is peculiar that Shelley would be so far down on the depth chart, it does not mean he is locked into that spot.

Jerry Tillery as a starting defensive tackle -- After joining the Raiders at midseason in 2022, Tillery flashed the potential of the player he was expected to be coming out of Notre Dame in 2019.

Tillery is listed as a starting defensive tackle next to Bilal Nichols, possibly shifting to be an interior linemen full-time. He has bounced back and forth between the edge and the interior throughout his career.

Tillery’s ability to turn last year’s flashes into this year’s regularity raises the ceiling of the Raiders’ defense significantly, especially if he does end up earning starter snaps.

The Silver and Black open the preseason by hosting the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 4 p.m. EDT/1 p.m. PDT.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.