Pre-Draft Projected Starters: 2023 Las Vegas Raiders

Major changes are coming to the Raiders starting lineup under head coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler. While draft prospects are not included on this list, the Las Vegas Raiders have made some key pick-ups this off-season that will add to the already established line-up. 

The Las Vegas Raiders did not live up to projected expectations in 2022, finishing third in the AFC west with a dismal 6-11 record, effectively ending QB Derek Carr’s 9-year stint as a Raider. Superstar tight-end Darren Waller was also traded away this off-season, prompting questions about the status of the team. Are the Raiders in full rebuild mode, or are they looking to compete? It’s still too early to tell but this is what the 2023 lineup looks like as of now.  

 

LAS VEGAS PROJECTED STARTERS HEADING INTO 2023 

QUARTERBACK 

Jimmy Garoppolo 

Starting QB Derek Carr’s departure from the Raiders left the most important position wide open this off-season. While there was much speculation about a possible reunion between Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Davante Adams, the Raiders decided to go in a different direction. Jimmy Garoppolo signed to a three-year $72.75-million-dollar contract replacing Carr and clearing cap space for the draft.  

Garoppolo was a favorite to get the starting position in Vegas because of his relationship and familiarity with Josh McDaniels and his offense. Much is expected from this collaboration, but one looming concern is Jimmy G’s ability to remain healthy. Perhaps the Raiders pick up a rookie QB in the first round but for now, Jimmy G is the guy. 

OFFENSIVE LINE

LT Kolton Miller, LG Dylan Parham, C Andre James, RG Alex Bars, RT Jermaine Eluemunor 

One of the best moves this off-season in regard to the offensive line has to be the re-signing of Jermaine Eluemunor, who’s coming off his best season. With Kolton Miller at left tackle, Andre James at center, and Dylan Parham at left guard, Jimmy G has the protection needed to make plays that will win games. 

 

RUNNING BACK  

RB Josh Jacobs

The running game was one of the few things in 2022 that did not disappoint. Josh Jacobs was impressive, leading the league in rushing yards, all while dealing with injuries throughout the season. Much is expected of Jacobs in the upcoming season, especially with a new QB at the helm. He is currently set to play on a franchise tag. We will see what his future in Vegas looks like after the season but for now, he is set and ready to go as the team’s starter.

 

TIGHT END 

Austin Hooper 

Trading away Darren Waller this off-season left a major hole on the offensive side of the ball. To replace him, the Raiders acquired both former Tennessee Titan Austin Hooper and Texans tight end O.J. Howard. Both tight ends bring a different element of play to the position, and it is possible that they will share the workload but for now, Austin Hooper will get the starting spot on the roster.  

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

WR Davante Adams, WR Jakobi Meyers, WR Hunter Renfrow

The Raiders decided to add depth to the Wide receiver position this off-season, adding former patriots WR Jakobi Meyers, WR Phillip Dorsett, and former Chargers WR Deandre Carter. While Davante Adams is a clear starter at the position, Hunter Renfrow’s future is less apparent. As of now, Renfrow is listed as the starting slot receiver, and Jakobi makes a great addition opposite of Davante. 

 

DEFENSIVE LINE 

DE Maxx Crosby, DT Jerry Tillery, NT Nichols Bilal, DE Chandler Jones 

Maxx Crosby has been the one constant in an otherwise dismal Raider defense, so it comes as no surprise that he will start at the defensive end position opposite Chandler Jones. DT Jerry Tillery, who was just re-signed with the team, will play alongside Nichols Bilal. As it stands, the defensive line needs major upgrades and with the draft just around the corner, it’s doubtful that this lineup will remain intact. 

  

LINEBACKER

LB Robert Spillane, LB Divine Deablo 

The Raiders struggled last season to finish games and that was due in large part to a weak overall defensive effort. They needed to make moves this off-season to improve in this area and they did just that by making much-needed changes at the linebacker position. Former Steeler Robert Spillane joins the Raiders’ defensive squad. He joins Divine Deablo, who returns for the 2023 season.  

 

SAFETY 

SS Marcus Epps, FS Tre’von Moehrig 

The Raiders really hit the mark by adding former Eagles safety Marcus Epps who is excellent in run defense. It’s no secret the defense has needed clear upgrades and this signing is just what they needed. However, Epps does struggle in deep coverage, so that task will likely fall to Tre’von Moehrig.  

 

CORNERBACK

CB Duke Shelley, CB David Long Jr., CB Nate Hobbs 

In an attempt to better the defense, the Raiders signed former Vikings CB Duke Shelley, who gave up no touchdowns this past season and only allowed 48.9% of catch completions. This addition does slightly improve the position playing alongside Nate Hobbs and David Long jr.

Other Pre-Draft Projections: AFC West

Pre-Draft Projected Starters: 2023 Kansas City Chiefs – Tyla Wright

Pre-Draft Projected Starters: 2023 Denver Broncos – Brison Owens