Raiders release first preseason depth chart

The battle at wide receiver appears fierce for the Oakland Raiders, but certainly not many would have projected Andre Holmes to top it.

Holmes is slotted in front of James Jones on the unofficial depth chart the team released Monday, and that wasn’t the only surprise.

Denarius Moore, who has been inconsistent at best, is slotted as the fourth receiver, behind Holmes, Rod Streater, Greg Little and Jones.

Many projected Moore to start, opposite Jones, with Streater getting in the mix as well. The chart is definitely unofficial, and the team is still trying to figure out where their players belong.

What isn’t surprising to anyone who’s visited Raiders camp in Napa, is George Atkinson III dead last in the running back battle. Atkinson has muffed punts, diving after them on several occasions, and failed to do much after.

With the addition of Maurice Jones-Drew, who leads the position according to the chart, and the return of Darren McFadden, it’s been an uphill battle for anyone jockeying for a roster spot as the third back.

A tight race at receiver has been apparent with the Raiders, and there’s been no clear number three. Preseason games should work that out, though, and it’s possible that the team is challenging guys like Brice Butler and Mike Davis.

Sio Moore will help round out the linebacker group, along with rookie Khalil Mack and veteran middle backer Nick Roach.

Tarell Brown will start at right cornerback, with Carlos Rogers on the left side, though Rogers has struggled in camp. The 33-year-old may be fighting his last camp battle in the NFL.

LaMarr Woodley and Justin Tuck will rush from the end, and Pat Sims will team up with Antonio Smith in the middle.

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