Oakland Raiders Depth Chart: Arden Key named starting defensive end

The Raiders released their first depth chart of the 2019 season on Tuesday. Certain tweaks can be made as it still remains unofficial to this point, but overall it gives a good perspective of what to expect for week 1.

A big focus towards the Raiders depth chart is the two defensive end positions. Defensive end gave the Raiders nearly zero production last season and after taking three edge rushers in this year’s draft, they’re looking for a large uptick in production when chasing down quarterbacks.

The Raiders named Clelin Ferrell and Arden Key the two starters coming off the edge.

It was expected for Ferrell to get the starting nod, since he was drafted No.4 overall. In no way possible can a team draft a player inside the top-five and not start the guy.

Although Ferrell was penciled in to start, Key starting on the opposite side is a move that may catch people by surprise.

Key is listed to start over Josh Mauro and Benson Mayowa for week 1’s Monday night football showdown. Over the course of the preseason, Mauro was listed as the starter next to Ferrell, giving the veteran some reps with the first-team defense.

The Raiders coaching staff have spoken about their willingness to tap into Key’s future, and apparently they like what they’ve been seeing. Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther likes him a lot in passing situations, so there’s a good chance that Mauro will mix in with Key off the edge to put him into a better situation to succeed.

Key has looked much better in the limited time that he’s played, posting one sack and four total tackles over the preseason. He reported to camp having put on 15-pounds of muscle and that muscle gain looks to have treated him well up to this point.

Despite Key being given the starting nod, he’ll be asked to produce early on or it will likely become a rotation of edge rushers. The Raiders can’t afford to go another season of finishing last in the league with sacks on the opposing team.

Maxx Crosby is recovering from his broken hand that he suffered in the first preseason game, but once he’s healthy he’ll get his turn to let loose on opposing quarterbacks.