Every new season brings change. Some change is not yet known. While some we know already. For instance, there will be new starters at several positions for the Raiders this season. These are the positions we know will change hands.
Slot receiver
Dec 14, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates after a turnover against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
For the past few years the slot receiver job belonged to Hunter Renfrow. One season in particular (2021), he entered the Raiders record books, logging 103 catches, which stands third and Raiders franchise history for catches in a season (103). But the past couple seasons he was increasingly a forgotten man in Josh McDaniels’s offense. And this offseason they released him.
The most likely candidate to replace him is second year receiver Tre Tucker. Though rookie 13th overall pick Brock Bowers will see snaps in the slot as well. So, while Bowers is technically a tight end and not a true slot receiver, he figures to line up there a good amount of time in order for the Raiders to put the best receivers on the field.
Right tackle
Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (4) drops back to pass as offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) provides coverage against New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (11) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
For the past few seasons, the starting right tackle job belonged to Jermaine Eluemunor. This offseason they let him leave as a free agent, opening the job to a new starter.
Throughout the offseason it’s former seventh round pick Thayer Munford who has been getting first team reps at that spot and it’s his job to lose. Others who are vying for the job include rookie third round pick DJ Glaze.
Guard
Aug 4, 2022; Canton, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
While Dylan Parham returns as a starter, he shifts to the right side. The new starter on the left side figures to be rookie second round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson. Through OTA’s and minicamp it was veteran Cody Whitehair to got first team reps, but that’s in part because of PJP dealing with a shoulder injury and in part because Whitehair is familiar with the offense, having played under OC Luke Getsy in Chicago.
Defensive tackle
November 5, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) congratulates defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) for sacking New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (not pictured) during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Gone is Bilal Nichols and in comes big splash free agent addition Christian Wilkins. Not only was he the one blockbuster addition for the Raiders this offseason, he was one of the biggest signings of any team this offseason.
Cornerback
Oct 1, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) blocks a pass intended for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (5) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones return to start in the slot and on the right side respectively. The other side was in flux throughout last season, with Amik Robertson starting down the stretch.
Robertson is gone. There were two cornerbacks sharing first team reps in minicamp – Jakorian Bennett and Brandon Facyson. Bennett enters his second season and Facyson is a journeyman veteran who was injured all last season. I also wouldn’t rule out the possibility the Raiders add someone before camp just as they did last season when they made Marcus Peters a late free agent signing.
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
