The Las Vegas Raiders are entering training camp this week under new leadership, signaling a renewed sense of optimism about the franchise's direction. With Klint Kubiak taking the helm as head coach and Fernando Mendoza joining the team, the Raiders are aiming to build a foundation for sustained success after several challenging seasons.
Training camp opens Tuesday, with several key position battles expected to shape the roster. At right guard, the competition is wide open as Jackson Powers-Johnson and Caleb Rogers vie for the starting role. Powers-Johnson, a 2024 second-round pick, has shown flashes of potential but has struggled with injuries and inconsistency during his first two seasons. Rogers is viewed favorably within the organization and could challenge Powers-Johnson for playing time if he demonstrates reliability and performance.
The Raiders appear stable at multiple offensive line positions, featuring Kolton Miller at left tackle, Spencer Burford at left guard, Tyler Linderbaum anchoring center, and D.J. Glaze at right tackle. Linderbaum's addition, a Pro Bowl center, is seen as a key piece in bolstering the offensive front.
In the secondary, the cornerback spot opposite starter Eric Stokes remains unsettled. Veteran Taron Johnson holds the slot corner position, while Darien Porter, a third-round pick from last year, and Jermod McCoy, a first-round talent selected in the fourth round due to concerns over a surgically repaired knee, are competing for the outside corner spot. McCoy’s health and longevity are key factors, but if cleared for camp, he could provide a dynamic presence in the secondary.
At wide receiver, the Raiders lack a clear No. 1 option, relying heavily on Pro Bowl tight end Brock Bowers for their passing game. Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor currently fill the top two receiver spots, with the third position remaining open to competition among Jack Bech, Dont’e Thornton, and Malik Benson. The coaching staff may choose to utilize combinations of these players, pairing Bech’s physical style with the speed of Thornton or Benson to strengthen the receiving corps.
Several players will need to elevate their performance for the Raiders to make progress. Powers-Johnson’s health and consistency are vital for the offensive line’s stability. Wide receiver Jalen Nailor, who posted an average of 15.8 yards per catch over two seasons with Minnesota but played behind star receivers, is expected to take on a larger role in Las Vegas. Running back Ashton Jeanty, touted as a promising talent, had a challenging 2025 season partly due to offensive line struggles that limited his effectiveness behind the line of scrimmage. An improved offensive line could translate into significant gains for Jeanty’s production this year.
The Raiders have adopted a long-term approach, prioritizing foundational moves over quick fixes. The combination of Kubiak’s leadership, the addition of Mendoza or veteran Kirk Cousins at quarterback, strategic draft selections, and free-agent acquisitions has generated cautious optimism after the team’s three-win finish last season. However, the offense’s success will heavily depend on the offensive line’s ability to improve; without progress there, other efforts may fall short.
As training camp gets underway, the Raiders appear more unified and focused than in recent years, but several players still face critical tests as they vie to contribute to the franchise’s turnaround.