The Las Vegas Raiders released an unofficial depth chart before Sunday's Week 1 regular-season opener versus the Miami Dolphins. There are some very notable takeaways. Perhaps most noticeable is that rookie defensive back Treydan Stukes was named a starter at safety.
Stukes is listed as the starter at free safety. Opposite him is starting strong safety Jeremy Chinn. Veteran Isaiah Pola-Mao, who started all 17 games for the Raiders last season, has been demoted to being a backup. Stukes is also listed as the backup nickel corner behind Taron Johnson. He was considered very versatile coming out of Arizona.
The Raiders selected Stukes in the second round (No. 38 overall) of the 2026 NFL draft. Top-40 picks are expected to develop into starters. That
doesn't always necessarily happen instantly, so it's a terrific sign that Stukes has already earned the coaches trust.
Stukes was credited with making 10 tackles throughout the preseason. Pro Football Focus claimed he only allowed three receptions for 34 receiving yards. He also had two run stops and a quarterback pressure, but allegedly missed two tackles.
The rebuilding Raiders need ascending talents to blossom into long-term solutions. According to the depth chart, Stukes is already earning that opportunity. It'll be exciting to see how Stukes plays versus the Dolphins in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders rookie Treydan Stukes named starter via unofficial depth chart
