Before the Las Vegas Raiders take the field to square off against the Miami Dolphins in their 2026 NFL season opener, it's a good time to be bold with predictions.
Prognosticators don't expect much from the Raiders this year, but regardless of the team's win-loss record, players can make significant strides. Ideally, fans should root for several young talents to emerge in key roles. Remember, John Spytek has drafted 21 players over the last two years.
This isn't necessarily about chasing franchise records. With the roster's youth in mind, here are three bold—though still realistic— statistical projections for the upcoming campaign.
Two newcomers will lead the Raiders in key categories
Jalen Nailor leads wideouts in receiving yards
On a new three-year, $35 million contract, Jalen Nailor had a lackluster showing through the preseason. Ironically, he only caught three passes for 35 yards in the exhibition games, matching the numbers on his deal.
Clearly, Tre Tucker is the Raiders' No. 1 receiver and could lead the team in catches this year. However, Nailor doesn't need to be the top target to pace the Raiders in receiving yards because of his big-play ability.
Over the last two seasons, he's averaged 15.1 yards per catch. If the former Minnesota Vikings' No. 3 wideout maintains that average in an expanded role, his receiving yards total could reach the 1,000-yard mark.
It's also worth noting that, as the presumed No. 1 wideout, Tucker could draw coverage from the opposing team's top cornerback if that defender isn't assigned to tight end Brock Bowers, whenever it is that he gets back to being healthy.
If Nailor can consistently beat the opponent's No. 2 cornerback, he still has a shot at a breakout year despite an up-and-down offseason.
Tonka Hemingway finishes second on the team in sacks
Based on his initial evaluations, Raiders assistant general manager Brian Stark said that he has been most impressed with Tonka Hemingway this year.
After playing just 32% of the defensive snaps last season, Hemingway quickly earned a spot in the starting rotation along the defensive line during organized team activities. He maintained that role through the preseason and should see a significant uptick in snaps during the regular season.
Hemingway will likely see a majority of his snaps on passing downs, as he logged 4.0 sacks between Weeks 14 and 18 last season. Listed at 6-foot-2, 284 pounds on the team's official website, the second-year pro could also occasionally line up on the edge, as he did in college at South Carolina.
Like Hemingway, Jonah Laulu logged 4.0 sacks last season, though he played a much bigger role in comparison, taking the field for 68% of the defensive snaps. If Hemingway plays a similar snap share, he can finish second on the Raiders in sacks and emerge as the team's top interior pass-rusher.
Treydan Stukes leads defense in interceptions
Treydan Stukes had a slow start to the offseason program. He took most of his spring reps with the second-team defense but worked his way into a starting role by the end of training camp.
Stukes is atop the depth chart at safety alongside Jeremy Chinn for Week 1, and will likely remain there throughout the season.
Aside from Stukes' versatility, his ball skills will be a major asset to the secondary. In his final year at Arizona, he recorded six pass breakups and four interceptions while lining up mostly in the slot (380 snaps) and in the box (197 snaps), per Pro Football Focus.
With a role in center field, Stukes can show more of his ability to force turnovers for a secondary that desperately needs a ball hawk.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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