Raiders' Week 10 Depth Chart Makes One Thing Clear

Quarterback

1. Fernando Mendoza
2. Aidan O'Connell

Analysis: It is time. Week 10 will be Mendoza's first start as a professional. Win, lose, or draw, Sunday is a critical day for Mendoza and the Raiders organization.

Running Back

1. Ashton Jeanty
2. Mike Washington
3. Dylan Laube

Analysis: Las Vegas' offensive line must create more running lanes, but the Raiders' young running backs must do their part too.

Fullback

1. Connor Heyward

Analysis: Dependable.

Wide Receiver

1. Jalen Nailor
2. Malik Benson

Analysis: The Raiders' committee of receivers might have a little extra juice this Sunday.

Wide Receiver

1. Tre Tucker
2. Dareke Young

Analysis: It will be interesting to see how impactful the Raiders' receivers are with Mendoza.

Left Tackle

1. Kolton Miller
2. Charles Grant

Analysis: Miller may look better with a more mobile quarterback in the backfield. If not, there are conversations that need to be had.

Left Guard

1. Spencer Burford
2. Bryce Cabeldue

Analysis: Las Vegas' offensive guard position leaves a lot to be desired on both sides.

Center

1. Tyler Linderbaum

Analysis: Worth the record-breaking contract.

Right Guard

1. Jackson Powers-Johnson
2. Caleb Rogers

Analysis: Trey Zuhn will likely start at right guard if he is healthy enough to go. There will likely be a game of musical chairs going on here.

Right Tackle

1. DJ Glaze
2. Trey Zuhn

Analysis: Zuhn will likely start at right guard if he is healthy.

Tight End

1. Brock Bowers
2. Michael Mayer
3. Ian Thomas

Analysis: Two crucial fumbles last week do not change the fact that, collectively, this is arguably the best group of tight ends in the league. It may not be very arguable.

Defensive End

1. Maxx Crosby
2. Malcolm Koonce

Analysis: Crosby continues to do what he has always done. Las Vegas just needs to be more competitive so Crosby and the pass rush can have a chance to shine.

Defensive Tackle

1. Adam Butler
2. Folorunso Fatukasi
3. Thomas Booker

Analysis: These three should be on a healthy rotation on Sunday. Butler's expected return should help the position group.

Defensive Tackle

1. Tonka Hemingway
2. JJ Pegues
3. Tim Keenan

Analysis: Hemingway is a solid presence in the middle, but he keeps getting banged up. This makes the Raiders thin in the middle of their defensive line, which has led to issues stopping the run.

Edge

1. Kwity Paye

Analysis: The Raiders need more production from Paye individually. Las Vegas needs Paye to impact the pass rush even when Crosby and others are not pushing the passer or ball carrier toward him.

Right Inside Linebacker

1. Nakobe Dean
2. Tommy Eichenberg
3. Segun Olubi

Analysis: Dean has been a solid leader for Las Vegas' defense this season. Eichenberg needs more time on the field.

Left Inside Linebacker

1. Quay Walker
2. Cody Lindenberg

Analysis: Walker's pass coverage is better than what the Raiders have had from the linebacker position in recent seasons, but it is still an issue. However, it is an issue Las Vegas may need to fix with a few moves this offseason to help maximize Walker's skill set.

Left Cornerback

1. Eric Stokes
2. Jermod McCoy
3. Darrell Luter Jr.

Analysis: All eyes will be on Stokes, McCoy, and the rest of the Raiders' defensive backfield moving forward. Stokes has struggled in recent weeks, and Las Vegas' defense needs McCoy to continue developing, and for that development to happen faster.

Slot Corner

1. Taron Johnson

Analysis: Like the rest of the defensive backfield, Johnson must continue to improve.

Free Safety

1. Treydan Stukes
2. Isaiah Pola-Mao
3. Tristin McCollum

Analysis: Treydan Stukes continues to be tested weekly by opposing offenses. However, it is not because opponents do not respect him. It is the opposite. He will continue to be tested, and he must continue to win more often than not.

Strong Safety

1. Jeremy Chinn
2. Dalton Johnson

Analysis: Chinn's veteran leadership continues to prove vital. Johnson's development is worth looking into as well.

Punter

1. AJ Cole

Analysis: Cole is averaging over 50 yard per punt this season. He consistently does his job well.

Kicker

1. Matt Gay

Analysis: Gay has made 19 of his 21 field goals. Last week, his field goal helped keep the Raiders in the game.

Kick Returner

1. Dylan Laube
2. Dareke Young

Analysis: Laube is one of the best kickoff return specialist in the league. Technically, he might be the best.

Punt Returner

1. Malik Benson
2. Dylan Laube

Analysis: Status quo.