Oakland Raiders: Projected 53-man depth chart for 2019 before OTAs

Before the Oakland Raiders start organized team activities, we’ll take an early look at the depth chart. How will the 53-man roster for 2019 look in September?

When summer rolls around, it’s time to trim the fat. NFL offseason programs give teams four months to sort out the best 53-man roster. The Oakland Raiders held their first day April 15; organized team activities begin Tuesday, May 21 and end June 6. Mandatory minicamp spans three days, June 11-13, before an approximate six-week layoff before training camp late July.

Through all the workouts and practices, head coach Jon Gruden and his coaching staff will assess who’s ready to take the field and in what role for the Silver and Black. As the case every year, injuries allow unexpected players to rise on the depth chart. Undrafted free agents may break out as offseason stars. New additions to the roster have something to prove.

On the offensive side of the depth chart, the Raiders roster should have few surprises. Nonetheless, team brass loaded up on talent at wideout, which creates intriguing battles for the reserve spots. Defensively, the Raiders’ lineup will undergo major changes after giving up the most points (467) in franchise history last year.

Oakland added three rookie defensive ends, two veteran linebackers and a trio of defensive backs capable starting Week 1 of the upcoming campaign. Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther will have a busy offseason ahead as he attempts to mold his unit into a formidable group.

Let’s take a look at a projected 53-man depth chart before organized activities start Tuesday. Who’s in and who’s out?