The Las Vegas Raiders are opening their training camp Tuesday under new leadership, with head coach Klint Kubiak and rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the helm. The franchise is expressing cautious optimism, emphasizing the importance of building a solid foundation for future success rather than focusing solely on immediate results.
Key additions to the team include Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to anchor the offensive line and defensive free agent signings Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean. The drafting of Mendoza is also seen as a promising step for the team's long-term outlook.
Position Battles
Several key position battles are expected during training camp. At right guard, the competition is between Jackson Powers-Johnson and Caleb Rogers. While the Raiders appear set at other offensive line positions with Linderbaum at center, the right guard spot remains open. Powers-Johnson, a second-round pick in 2024, has shown potential but has faced issues with health and consistency. Rogers is also considered a strong contender.
At cornerback, the Raiders have Eric Stokes at one outside spot and Taron Johnson in the slot. The other perimeter corner position is less defined, with Darien Porter, a third-round pick, and Jermod McCoy, a first-round talent who fell due to knee concerns, vying for the role. McCoy's ability to start camp healthy could make him a significant prospect.
The competition for the WR3 position includes Jack Bech, Dont’e Thornton, and Malik Benson. The team's passing game is expected to feature Pro Bowl tight end Brock Bowers, with Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor listed as WR1 and WR2. The club hopes that one of Bech, Thornton, or Benson can secure the third receiver spot.
Players to Watch
Several players are highlighted as needing to step up this season. Offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson is expected to translate his athletic potential into consistent performance. Wide receiver Jalen Nailor, who averaged 15.8 yards per reception in limited opportunities previously, is envisioned to take on a larger role. Running back Ashton Jeanty, despite a respectable 975 rushing yards last season, is looking for improved efficiency, which is largely dependent on the offensive line's performance. He averaged 3.7 yards per carry in 2025, and the team believes an improved line could push that figure to 4.7 yards per carry, potentially leading to over 1,000 rushing yards.
Outlook for the Season
Reasons for optimism stem from the Raiders' decision to prioritize long-term development over short-sighted moves. The organization appears unified under Kubiak and his staff, with a strong draft class and free agent acquisitions contributing to a belief in improvement over their three-win record in 2025. However, concerns remain, particularly if the offensive line does not improve and the offense struggles to gain traction.
