Las Vegas Raiders: 5 surprises from the first unofficial 2021 depth chart

Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden (left) and general manager Mike Mayock walk off the field after the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden (left) and general manager Mike Mayock walk off the field after the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (90) celebrates with cornerback Josh Norman (29) and defensive end Trent Murphy (93) after a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Bills defeated the Raiders 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: 5 surprises from the first unofficial 2021 depth chart

Quinton Jefferson gets the nod next to Johnathan Hankins

We have to dive back into defense here with recently acquired defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson. The defensive tackle spot is definitely up for grabs as Jefferson looks to withstand a late surge from other free-agent acquisitions in Soloman Thomas, and recently signed six-time Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy.

Jefferson has been the strongest performer so far and is a lot bigger than last year’s starter in Maurice Hurst, as he has the ability to clog the middle, and does have some burst when attacking the rush. The biggest threat to Jefferson’s throne at this point would point to McCoy.

McCoy has not been with the Raiders long after recently signing, so as he gets up to speed, this is subject to change. Jefferson has the advantage right now, though, as he has more time with the playbook and has been very solid in camp.

Also, McCoy has not been the healthiest of players recently, in fact, he missed the 2020 season due to injury, and at 33-years-old, it seems highly likely he is not the player he once was. At 28-years-old, Jefferson is in his prime and the depth chart as it stands may stay put in his favor.