Raiders' Projected Winners of Key Position Battles

The first full week of the 2022 NFL preseason is complete. Thanks to an appearance in the Hall of Fame Game, though, the Las Vegas Raiders have already appeared in two exhibition contests.

While the Raiders haven't given extension playing time to their starters, the preseason has already been an important part of the preparation process. Key players such as Derek Carr, Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby have their spots solidified, but other positions are less settled.

Las Vegas was a playoff team in 2021 and looks to be a contender again this season. However, several important position battles are unfolding in Raiders camp that could have a huge impact on the team's 2022 results.

Here, you'll find a look at some of the biggest battles of training camp, what they could mean for the regular season, and predictions based on past production, player potential, roster depth, and any relevant recent buzz.

Alex Leatherwood vs. Brandon Parker vs. Dylan Parham vs. Jermaine Eluemunor vs. Lester Cotton Sr. vs. Thayer Munford Jr.

There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to the right side of the Raiders offensive line. Given its importance to both the running game and Carr's protection, these battles may be the most important of the team's offseason.

The battles at right guard and right tackle are tied together, and 2021 first-round pick Alex Leatherwood is involved in both. He was underwhelming as a rookie and responsible for 14 penalties and eight sacks surrendered, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Alabama product started out at right tackle but was moved to guard following Denzelle Good's torn ACL. With the 31-year-old retiring this offseason, Leatherwood is back in the mix at guard—along with Jermaine Eluemunor, rookie third-round pick Dylan Parham and Lester Cotton Sr.

However, Leatherwood has worked at right tackle this offseason and should at least get a shot to replace incumbent Brandon Parker.

With Parker currently sidelined, though, Eluemunor and rookie seventh-rounder Thayer Munford Jr. got the starts at tackle in the second preseason game.

Munford has been a pleasant surprise during camp.

"For a young guy, he’s done a nice job for himself," coach Josh McDaniels said of the 22-year-old, per The Athletic's Tashan Reed.

The prediction here is that Parker starts at tackle once healthy, while Las Vegas gives Leatherwood another crack at guard.

While the current regime didn't draft him, the Raiders have quite a bit invested in Leatherwood and need to find out what they have. If he struggles again, though, expect Las Vegas to quickly make a change.

Predicted Winners: Parker and Leatherwood

Rock Ya-Sin vs. Anthony Averett vs. Amik Robertson

The Raiders should have one starting perimeter corner in 2019 second-round pick Trayvon Mullen, while Nate Hobbs should again man the nickel spot.

Opposite Mullen, though, a battle is brewing between Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin and Anthony Averett.

Robertson is back for his third campaign in Las Vegas, while Averett was signed as a free agent and Ya-Sin was acquired in the Yannick Ngakoue trade. The two newcomers have already made a strong impression on Carr.

"They are super competitive," the quarterback said, per The Athletic's Vic Tafur. "They are challenging me to make really tight throws, some tighter throws than some games."

While Robertson cannot be completely discounted, this feels like a battle between Ya-Sin and Averett—and it could be a close one.

Ya-Sin has the edge in starting experience (29 games versus 21) and got the starting nod in Las Vegas' preseason opener. However, Averett showed a ton of potential in his first season as a full-time starter for the Baltimore Ravens last year.

Averett finished with 54 tackles and three interceptions while allowing an opposing passer rating of just 77.5 in coverage. Ya-Sin, meanwhile, allowed an opposing passer rating of 88.8 with the Indianapolis Colts.

This is a tough one to call, but Averett performed better last season and appears to be the ascending player. Ya-Sin started 13 games as a rookie but only eight in each of the past two seasons.

Predicted Winner: Averett

Keelan Cole vs. Mack Hollins vs. Demarcus Robinson

The Raiders have two starting receiver spots settled, with Adams on the outside and Hunter Renfrow manning the slot. However, the battle to complement Adams on the perimeter is wide open.

Las Vegas traded away Bryan Edwards this offseason while bringing in Keelan Cole, Mack Hollins and Demarcus Robinson. Robinson, a former Kansas City Chief, has experience in the division, while Hollins has been a quick learner during training camp.

"He comes out there every day, and he puts in the work," running back Josh Jacobs said of Hollins, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "And I’m excited to see about him. He’s smart, too. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy pick up an offense so fast, honestly."

However, the prediction here is that Cole ultimately wins the No. 3 job. He's been a high-volume receiver before—he's topped 50 receptions and 600 yards twice in five seasons—and he's shown his potential in the preseason.

Against the Minnesota Vikings last week, the 29-year-old led the Raiders with four receptions. He had a 31-yard reception in the Hall of Fame Game.

Last season, Cole averaged an impressive 16 yards per catch despite playing in the New York Jets' 26th-ranked offense. Expect him to be both a reliable target and a downfield threat in offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi's scheme.

Predicted Winner: Cole

*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.