Moe Moton
The Las Vegas Raiders released an unofficial depth chart, giving an idea of who may have the first shot to lock down the No. 2 cornerback position. The New England Patriots are unsure if their lead cornerback will suit up on Sunday, which could equate to a big day for quarterback Geno Smith. Raiders Daily highlights a wide-open position within the starting lineup and a key matchup that could favor the Silver and Black.
Kyu Blu Kelly Is No. 2 Cornerback on Unofficial Depth Chart
On Tuesday, the Raiders released their first depth chart for the regular season. Despite the unofficial nature of the roster, it’s worth noting that Kyu Blu Kelly moved up the ranks over the summer.
Once an unknown in the secondary, Kelly made his presence felt on the boundary and in the slot with interceptions and eye-catching performances at practice.
Even though head coach Pete Carroll told reporters that he plans to rotate “a number of guys” in and out of the No. 2 cornerback spot, Kelly has at least earned the first crack at the wide-open position. He could match up against wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who’s had strong showings at training camp as well.
Still, expect to see rookie third-rounder Darien Porter and second-year pro Decamarion Richardson to see opportunities on the field on Sunday.
Read More: Raiders Face Three Major Question Marks in Key Defensive Positions
Raiders Might Not See Key Patriots Defender on Sunday
Las Vegas finished up its offseason program with a mostly healthy starting lineup. Safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (broken fibula) is the only key or rotational starter who suffered a long-term injury.
New England didn’t have the same luck. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez is dealing with a hamstring issue that has sidelined him for most of the summer. The budding third-year pro missed practice at the beginning of the week.
NBCS Boston’s Phil Perry broke down the potential adverse impact of Gonzalez’s absence.
“This is the player who was going to help make this thing go defensively,” Phil Perry said on the Patriots Talk Podcast.
“(Gonzalez’s) ability to cover the other team’s best weapon allows you to do so much. Whether it’s Mike Vrabel or Terrell Williams cooking up exotic fronts, blitz packages, disguise — you can do all of those things because you have that talent on the outside to take away the other team’s best player. You don’t have to sacrifice multiple bodies in the secondary to do exactly that.”
Based on Perry’s comments, the Patriots could use Gonzalez to neutralize Brock Bowers, but if the 6-foot-1, 205-pound cover man isn’t healthy, New England may rotate defenders who shadow the Raiders’ All-Pro tight end.
If Gonzalez doesn’t take the field, quarterback Geno Smith could have a big day throwing to Bowers and his wide receivers.
Read More: Christian Gonzalez Receives Troubling Injury Update Ahead Of Week 1
Raiders Land Between 18th and 28th in Media Power Rankings
As Week 1 approaches, media outlets published NFL power rankings, breaking down where teams stand in the league hierarchy entering the 2025 campaign.
Among the major online publications, The Athletic gave Las Vegas the highest ranking at 18.
CBS Sports listed the Raiders as the NFL’s fifth-worst club, partially because of their division.
“Pete Carroll’s first season will show an improved team, but they play in a brutal division,” Pete Prisco wrote. “Improvement might not show the way the fans want.”
Read More: Silver and Black revival? Breaking down Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 schedule and win projections
Though Raiders fans may gripe about how the media sees their team, it’s up to the players to change the perception of the club and play out a season that exceeds expectations.
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
