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The unofficial depth chart for Thursday’s Las Vegas Raiders preseason finale against the 49ers still lists Isaiah Pola-Mao as the starting free safety, with Treydan Stukes right behind him. That sheet of paper is starting to look outdated and everyone knows the value of depth charts during the preseason. They’re worth less than the paper they’re printed on. Stukes has taken the majority of the first-team safety reps the last couple of practices, more than at any other point in camp. After Monday’s session, reporters noted he played a majority of snaps with the first team while Pola-Mao worked mostly with the 2s. That shift lines up with what defensive coordinator Rob Leonard said Monday when asked about the second-round pick. “Yeah, he’s been consistent,” Leonard said. “My job is to push him outside of his comfort zone and challenge him in every way possible. Safeties are a big part of this defense, and he’s done a great job with that. I’m just not going to stop pushing him. I think he played a lot faster last game, and I think again the instincts are self-explanatory.” Stukes Earning Praise for Versatility That “last game” was the Houston preseason matchup, where Stukes played the first half and finished with four tackles, including three big ones. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing just 13 yards on three targets. Stukes not only looked comfortable deep, but also looked at home in the box against the run. For a player who spent most of his college career at nickel and outside corner, it was the cleanest evidence yet that the light is coming on. Stukes has never pretended otherwise about where he stands. After one of the early padded practices, he put it plainly: “All the glitz and glamor is gone now. It’s back to the grind. And if you want to help the team win games, you’ve got to come out here and you’ve got to do your best every single day. Keep getting better every single day.” He added that he understands the reality of being a rookie. “Now that we’re out here, I fully understand that I’m at the bottom of the totem pole and I’ve got to work my way up. I’ve done nothing at this level yet.” That mindset has helped him handle the heavy install and the constant position switches Leonard’s defense asks of him. Related: Raiders Defense Dominates Camp Weekend as Fernando Mendoza Hits First Wall Treydan Stukes Proving He Belongs in Rob Leonard’s Defense In Leonard’s defense, Stukes rarely stays in one spot for long. One series he might line up as the deep free safety, reading the quarterback and covering the middle of the field. The next series, when the offense brings out three tight ends, he slides down into the box as the big nickel while Jeremy Chinn or another safety rotates back deep. On third-and-long, he can bounce outside into the slot to match a receiver, then on the following snap drop back into a two-high look. The coaches are constantly moving him based on personnel and formation, which is exactly why the install has been so heavy and why the recent jump in first-team reps matters. Stukes has talked about pride in being a smart player who can help any way the coaches need. “If that means learning multiple positions, then I’ll keep doing that,” he said. He also likes what the scheme gives defensive backs: “It gives a lot of chances to make plays and a lot of chances to show your talents. If you’re good at something, they’re going to make sure that you’re able to do it.” Pola-Mao is still a reliable veteran who knows the system and has started plenty of games. Nobody is burying him. But the Raiders need range and ball production from the free safety spot, and Stukes is the one currently getting the first look in practice. Leonard’s comments and the rep distribution make that clear. In Thursday’s game against the 49ers, you’ll still see Stukes rotating in with Pola-Mao. But remember that depth charts in August are mostly for show. The practice work, though, is pointing one direction. If Stukes keeps stacking days the way he has since the Texans game, the depth chart for Week 1 against Miami is going to have his name in the starting spot. “Wherever the coaches want me, whatever the coaches see me fitting best, I’m willing to do, and whatever I can play to help the team win games, that’s where I’m at,” Stukes said. Related: Fernando Mendoza Shows Mixed Bag in Second Raiders Preseason Game