Oakland Raiders Review: Initial Depth Chart

Normally, the first meaningful event of the 2019 season occurred yesterday. Granted, to some, who the Raiders rank first in an early depth chart matters. However, for me, I have no care of who sits where in early August. Yet, a couple things did capture my attention.

Alec Ingold

Now, I know that an undrafted rookie fullback should not make anyone happy. Yet, seeing Ingold ahead early should give fans hope. First, he possesses a brutal blocking style, capable of moving in space and wiping out tacklers. Next, he will provide decent enough hands and the ability to grind for a yard. We all can remember Keith Smith failing on fourth and one. Instead, Ingold batters the line.

“I try to show them, especially in workouts, that I can run around and be athletic and catch the rock a lot because it’s just something I want to show we practiced all the time,” Ingold said. “It showed up on film in spots. I just want to show them that I can be consistent with it, too. This last year was obviously a great year to watch film, and I put it on there, but getting in front of these teams and (to) do it time and time again was definitely huge.”

Before the draft, Ingold made these comments. If Ingold sticks as a starter, Gruden could see his Jon Ritchie clone come to life. Whether the Raiders enjoy that same measure of success remains to be seen.

Nevin Lawson

For a deal that could’ve reach over three million dollars, the Raiders slotted Lawson third on the corner back depth chart. More importantly, Lawson disclosed that he will sit for the first four games of the season. After testing positive for the banned substance, Ostarine, Lawson may not climb the depth chart again. Now, it appears as the Raiders will keep him buried, even after his return.

While not a perfect science, some intriguing info resides within the initial depth chart. The Raiders need to quickly assess what they may have.