Raiders' Week 4 Depth Chart: Biggest Takeaways

Las Vegas recently released their depth chart for their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Quarterback

1. Kirk Cousins
2. Fernando Mendoza
3. Aidan O'Connell

Analysis: Cousins is the right man for the job.

Running Back

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

Analysis: Jeanty looks like his ankles still bother him, but the Raiders need him on the field.

Fullback

1. Connor Heyward

Analysis: Heyward has made at least one crucial play in each game this season.

Wide Receiver

1. Jalen Nailor
2. Malik Benson

Analysis: The Raiders could use more from both players.

Wide Receiver

1. Tre Tucker
2. Daereke Young
3. Cody White

Analysis: Jack Bech was placed on injured reserve after suffering an arm injury on Sunday. After being elevated to the game roster twice, Las Vegas was forced by the rule to decide on his future with the team. He undoubtedly fits Kubiak's system.

Left Tackle

1. Kolton Miller
2. Charles Grant

Analysis: Miller has officially returned to form.

Left Guard

1. Spencer Burford
2. Bryce Cabeldue

Analysis: Burford shows weekly why the Raiders signed him, and he quickly earned a starting position.

Center

1. Tyler Linderbaum

Analysis: The veteran has helped turn the offensive line around.

Right Guard

1. Jackson Powers-Johnson
2. Caleb Rogers

Analysis: The Raiders need Powers-Johnson to continue playing well.

Right Tackle

1. DJ Glaze
2. Trey Zuhn

Analysis: Glaze looks improved next to a better set of talent along the offensive line.

Tight End

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

Analysis: It will be interesting to see how Kubiak and Andrew Janocko use Bowers and Mayer against the Chiefs.

Defensive End

1. Maxx Crosby
2. Malcolm Koonce

Analysis: These two continue to play well individually and collectively.

Defensive Tackle

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

Analysis: Las Vegas will keep their tackles fresh by continuing to rotate them throughout the game.

Defensive Tackle

1. Tonka Hemingway
2. Jonah Laulu
3. JJ Pegues

Analysis: The Raiders are confident their interior defensive line.

Edge

1. Kwity Paye
2. Patrick Johnson

Analysis: Johnson may get more action this week, as Paye continues to recover from an illness.

Right Inside Linebacker

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

Analysis: Dean has been a vital part of Las Vegas' 3-0 start to the season. He is the glue of the Raiders' defense.

Left Inside Linebacker

1. Quay Walker
2. Cody Lindenberg

Analysis: Walker is a force that disrupts opposing offenses.

Left Cornerback

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

Analysis: Stokes remains a dependable veteran. There are other Raiders cornerbacks that opposing quarterbacks would prefer to throw at over Stokes. However, Sunday will likely be an equal opportunity for everyone in Las Vegas' defensive backfield against a deep Chiefs team.

Right Cornerback

1. Darien Porter
2. Hezekiah Masses

Analysis: Both Porter and Masses will see action on Sunday. So who starts is not necessarily an issue. Las Vegas needs both to play well on Sunday.

Slot Corner

1. Taron Johnson

Analysis: Johnson's speed and agility give the Raiders the ability to play various defenses with him on the field.

Free Safety

1. Treydan Stukes
2. Isaiah Pola-Mao

Analysis: Las Vegas desperately needs Stukes back against the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes will find and attack this position group if not. Sunday's win over the Saints made it crystal clear why Stukes was named the starter heading into the season.

Strong Safety

1. Jeremy Chinn
2. Dalton Johnson

Analysis: Chinn proves his importance weekly. The veteran continues to let his play do the talking. Sunday against the Saints, Chinn finished tied for the second-most tackles of any player on the team and seemed to be near the ball on most of the defense's turnovers this season.

Punter

1. AJ Cole

Analysis: Cole averaged nearly 50 yards per punt against the Saints.

Kicker

1. Matt Gay

Analysis: Gay has been spot on this season. He seems to have the coaching staff's trust, and rightfully so. Through three games, he has quietly established himself as one of the Raiders' roster additions this offseason. He has made all six of his field goal attempts this season.

Three of those six kicks were 40 yards or longer.

Kick Returner

1. Dylan Laube
2. Dareke Young

Analysis: Laube will look to bounce back from nearly fumbling away a winnable game for the Raiders last Sunday. Laube may be one mistake away from the Raiders trying one of the many other options they have to return kicks and punts.

Each of the Raiders' first three games has come down to one or two possessions. Giving away a possession of any kind, let alone deep in your own territory, is a recipe for disaster. Las Vegas may not be fortunate enough to bounce back next time.

Punt Returner

1. Malik Benson
2. Dylan Laube

Analysis: The Raiders' punt returns have been relatively nonexistent. However, with the way their offense and defense are playing, Las Vegas only needs simple returns from their return man. Even more than yards, Las Vegas needs a player they can fully depend on to catch the football.

Benson has yet to find his footing as the team's return man, but there is still a lot of time left in the season.