Just last week, head coach Pete Carroll basically admitted the team didn't have a set starter at cornerback. However, a significant change on the depth chart at one of the cornerback spots might have tipped Las Vegas' hand on what they're going to do.
On the Raiders' Week 1 depth chart, veteran Kyu Blu Kelly is now listed as the starter ahead of Darien Porter.
On the other side, Eric Stokes remains in his starting spot, as does Darnay Holmes, who is expected to man the slot. Decamerion Richardson, the team's 2024 fourth-round pick, is the backup behind Stokes.
On the final preseason depth chart, Kelly was listed as a third-team slot cornerback and Porter was the starter on the boundary, so this is a significant change that might indicate Kelly has finally won the job.
But that might not necessarily mean he's going to play all the snaps in Week 1.
Head coach Pete Carroll revealed that he the Raiders would rotate "a lot of guys" on the outside opposite Stokes. Porter and maybe Richardson could be the other guys.
"We've got really good competition over there on the other side and we'll see how that works out by the end of the week, we'll keep it going," Carroll said. "A number of guys will play in the game (against the Patriots). You'll see a lot of guys will be rolling through there."
To say the Raiders have a troubling situation at cornerback would be an understatement.
Both Stokes and Holmes have been very disappointing during their respective careers and there's no telling what Kelly, Porter and Richardson will be able to provide given their lack of experience in the NFL.
That's why we recently suggested the Raiders sign veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, who was cut loose by the New England Patriots. Inking Peppers would allow the Raiders to give more slot reps to Jeremy Chinn, who is probably a better option there than Holmes.
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