Las Vegas Raiders first 2022 depth chart is full of surprises

Las Vegas Raiders first 2022 depth chart is full of surprises

Andrew Billings is listed as the second ‘starting’ DT

There’s a lot to unwrap here.

Right off the bat, I say ‘starting’ loosely due to the above section of the depth chart not catering to the Raiders’ new defensive scheme. While Billings is listed as the second starting defensive tackle, Las Vegas should run one interior D-lineman more often than not.

Secondly, just like with Trayvon Mullen, Johnathan Hankins is battling an injury, and subsequently finds himself last in the defensive tackle rotations. Hankins will undoubtedly be higher on the depth chart, finding himself on the field often in 2022. Is Billings here because Hankins is currently hurt? That’s the most likely scenario, although it’s still a surprise to see how far Billings has climbed regardless.

Billings was the first defensive tackle under contract for the Raiders in 2022, agreeing to terms with Las Vegas before the free agency period began. The 27-year-old has started 37 contests in his four-year career, appearing in games for both Cincinnati and Cleveland.

The former Bengal has totaled 3.5 sacks and 14 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. In 2020, Billings opted out due to Covid concerns. Now, as a Raider, the defensive tackle is hoping to resurge his career and get back to the days where he was a starting caliber player in the NFL.

If this depth chart is any indication, the Raiders believe he can still be that player.