The Raiders are looking quite different from the last season when they ended with one of the worst records in the NFL.
Clint Kubiak has taken over as head coach, stepping in for Pete Carroll. They drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall—he’s a Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana and a national champion—and added several key players on the offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, and in the secondary.
This offseason is shaping up to be particularly intriguing for the Raiders. The team will be navigating various job openings and roster decisions over the next few months.
Here are three main position battles to watch closely.
Quarterback
It seems like it’s just a matter of time before Mendoza becomes the starting quarterback, yet the Raiders are precise about taking it slow. They want to ensure he has the right support in place. It’s really about creating a solid environment for him, learning from the mistakes made with young quarterbacks in the past.
To aid this transition, they signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, so he can provide guidance if necessary. They have the rest of the offseason and training camp to make a choice.
However, the more they analyze Mendoza’s dedication, work ethic, and raw talent, the more they could feel he’s ready to tackle the starting role immediately, managing both his own growth and that of a rebuilding team.
It’s certainly a captivating storyline to follow in the NFL.
Offensive Line
Last season, the Raiders struggled immensely with their offensive line, facing multiple challenges such as injuries and mismanagement. One insider even described the coaching as “the worst I’ve ever seen.”
A key asset for Kubiak is veteran offensive line coach Rick Dennison, who has a proven track record of developing cohesive and effective offensive lines.
Bringing back left tackle Kolton Miller, who missed much of the season due to injury, bolsters the offensive line alongside Tyler Linderbaum, who has become the highest-paid center in the league.
While Miller and Linderbaum are strong starters, the fate of the Raiders’ offense hinges on filling those other three positions well. There’s a lot of focus on five drafted prospects from the past three years, who are all vying for starting roles, along with former 49ers guard Spencer Burford, recently signed.
Veteran Jordan Meredith is also in the mix. Jackson Powers-Johnson, a second-round pick in 2024, really needs to prove himself after injuries held him back. He has Pro Bowl potential but needs to show he can stay on the field. Missing out on a guard position would be a disappointment.
Competitors for starting guard include Caleb Rodgers, a third-round pick in 2025, and Trey Zuhn III, a third-round pick in 2026, who can also play tackle. Meanwhile, the right tackle spot is contested mainly between DJ Glaze, a third-round pick in 2024, and Charles Grant, a third-round pick in 2025, with Zuhn III also in the running.
This summer, the battles at both guard and right tackle will be closely observed.
Secondary
The Raiders have a lot to figure out, particularly at wide receiver as they seek a suitable WR3, plus adjustments needed on the defensive line while shifting to a 3-4 defense.
However, the main issue seems to lie within the secondary. They believe they’ve made solid additions over the past year.
Right now, cornerback Eric Stokes and safety Jeremy Chinn are the only solid starters, though more could emerge.
Veteran slot cornerback Taron Johnson, acquired via a trade, is a prime candidate for that role. However, he has been absent during OTAs due to contract discussions, which complicates things.
Johnson’s contract is worth $18 million over two years, but only a portion is guaranteed, so it makes sense that he’s seeking more stability.
Darien Porter, picked in the third round last year, is set to start opposite Stokes, but Jermod McCoy might shake things up.
McCoy was seen as a top cornerback prospect but dropped to the fourth round due to concerns about a knee injury. If he’s healthy, he could emerge as the most skilled corner on the team, earning immediate playing time.
Additionally, the Raiders drafted safety Treydan Stokes in the second round last month, likely challenging Isaiah Pola-Mao for the starting free safety position, though he could also step into a slot corner role if Johnson’s situation remains unresolved.
Rookie safety Dalton Johnson, a fifth-round pick, along with cornerback Hezekiah Mascess, will also be vying for positions on the field.
