Raiders' Week 6 Depth Chart: Analyzing Potential Changes

Las Vegas released its most recent depth chart ahead of its Week 6 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

Quarterback

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

Analysis: Cousins is the starter, but it is clear what this offense is, and is not, with him under center.

Running Back

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

Analysis: The Raiders will continue to try to maximize what they get out of Jeanty but should readily look to use Washington and Laube more.

Fullback

1. Connor Heyward

Analysis: Heyward wears many hats for the Raiders and does a solid job across the board.

Wide Receiver

1. Jalen Nailor
2. Malik Benson

Analysis: Nailor's return should bode well for Las Vegas; it will be interesting to see how much he helps.

Wide Receiver

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

Analysis: Hopefully, Nailor's return and a different overall approach on both sides of the ball will lead to a more productive Sunday for the other wide receivers on the team.

Left Tackle

1. Kolton Miller
2. Charles Grant

Analysis: Las Vegas' offensive line needs to improve along the left side.

Left Guard

1. Spencer Burford
2. Bryce Cabeldue

Analysis: Like many other Raiders last week, Burford had a forgettable performance. He must do a better job of solidifying that side of things.

Center

1. Tyler Linderbaum

Analysis: Solid but needs more help around him.

Right Guard

1. Jackson Powers-Johnson
2. Caleb Rogers

Analysis: Powers-Johnson looks to continue returning to form after recently missing time.

Right Tackle

1. DJ Glaze
2. Trey Zuhn

Analysis: Glaze has been the Raiders' most consistent offensive lineman since he was drafted.

Tight End

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

Analysis: Las Vegas will likely need all three of their tight ends in one facet or another on Sunday.

Defensive Tackle

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

Analysis: Laulu and Pegues may have a solid chance at additional playing time on Sunday, depending on Hemingway's health.

Defensive Tackle

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

Analysis: Look for Las Vegas to rotate their interior defensive linemen more on Sunday than in weeks past.

Defensive End

1. Maxx Crosby
2. Malcolm Koonce

Analysis: Crosby and Koonce work well together, especially when the interior defensive line does its job well.

EDGE

1. Kwity Paye
2. Patrick Johnson

Analysis: Johnson needs more opportunities.

Right Cornerback

1. Darien Porter
2. Hezekiah Masses

Analysis: These two will compete for playing time, but both will play against the Bills. Each player has their strengths and weaknesses.

Slot Cornerback

1. Taron Johnson

Analysis: Johnson must continue to improve.

Left Cornerback

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

Analysis: Stokes continues to lead the way. However, Las Vegas' cornerbacks must eliminate the big plays.

Right Inside Linebacker

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

Analysis: It will be interesting to see how Dean, specifically, responds to last week's loss. It was a total team loss, but as one of the team's leaders, Dean must get the defense back in line. Las Vegas signed Dean for his obvious on-field skills.

However, they also signed him for his ability to positively influence a locker room.

Left Inside Linebacker

1. Quay Walker
2. Cody Lindenberg

Analysis: Las Vegas' coaching staff must find a way to maximize Walker's talent without overusing him or mismanaging his usage.

Just as the Raiders must use their defensive line to protect the back of the defense, both the secondary and the defensive line must help the linebackers.

Free Safety

1. Treydan Stukes
2. Isaiah Pola-Mao

Analysis: Stukes has had a challenging past two weeks, as his inexperience has been on full display. Still, he's their best free safety. Las Vegas needs the rookie defender to keep learning quickly and grasp the mental side of his transition to the league.

Strong Safety

1. Jeremy Chinn
2. Dalton Johnson

Analysis: Chinn remains one of the veteran leaders in an overall young defensive backfield. Chinn has played well this season; the rest of the defensive backfield needs to match his output.

Punter

1. AJ Cole

Analysis: One of the best in the business.

Kicker

1. Matt Gay

Analysis: Gay missed his first kick of the regular season last Sunday against the Patriots. Gay's kick bouncing off the field goal post was a microcosm of how the day went for the Raiders as a whole.

Kick Returner

1. Dylan Laube
2. Dareke Young

Analysis: The Raiders will likely consider making a switch at this position like they did last week against the Patriots. Laube will remain in one of the spots.

Punt Returner

1. Malik Benson
2. Dylan Laube

Analysis: The season is nearly halfway over, and Benson has been largely unproductive. Returning punts gives him a shot to get going. However, the Raiders' coaching staff could consider giving someone else a shot.