The next NFL Honors ceremony won't be until February 11, 2027. But we can dress up in our best Silver and Black outfits for a 2026 NFL season awards forecast, specifically for our beloved Las Vegas Raiders, in September.
If owner Mark Davis hosted an awards event for the Raiders, who would win nominations for the team's Most Valuable Player, Most Improved Player, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year and Best Offseason Acquisition?
Here are projections of potential winners for those categories and why these players will perform at a standard of excellence in the 2026 season.
Raiders' front-runners for team-only awards signal a bright future
Most Valuable Player: RB Ashton Jeanty
Brock Bowers would've been the obvious choice here, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the All-Pro tight end underwent a meniscus trim and will miss "a game or two." This news is a bit concerning, given that Bowers sat out a few games because of a PCL injury last season.
On a positive injury note, head coach Klint Kubiak is optimistic about Ashton Jeanty suiting up for the season opener. The second-year running back practiced on Wednesday and told reporters that he would be playing against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
Without Bowers, who may not be 100% as soon as he returns, Jeanty should carry a heavier offensive load for at least the beginning of the season if his ankle can withstand the wear and tear.
Even if rookie fourth-rounder Mike Washington Jr. carves out a decent role, Jeanty should be the focal point of the offense. He could rack up 1,500-plus scrimmage yards because of his ability to run and catch out of the backfield.
Maxx Crosby, the Raiders' best defensive player, earns an honorable mention, but teams need points to win games, and Jeanty could finish with a double-digit number of touchdowns this year.
Runner-up: EDGE Maxx Crosby
Offensive Rookie of the Year: RB Mike Washington Jr.
Washington Jr. likely worked himself into a bigger role with his preseason performances, logging 23 carries for 168 yards in three outings. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Washington Jr. "is going to be a thing" in the Raiders' backfield, not just an exhibition sensation.
Even though the Raiders selected Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick in last year's draft, it wouldn't be a surprise if Kubiak rides the hot hand between his top two tailbacks. The coaching staff would have a hard time taking Washington Jr. off the field if he's averaging well over five yards per carry with his combination of size and 4.33 speed.
Raider fans would love to see Fernando Mendoza win this award, and that could happen if he's on the field in the second half of the season. But that's not a guarantee. If Las Vegas doesn't fall out of the playoff race by Thanksgiving, Kirk Cousins could be under center up until the Week 13 bye, at least.
Runner-up: QB Fernando Mendoza
Defensive Rookie of the Year: SAF Treydan Stukes
Treydan Stukes is the lone defensive rookie starter. He'll likely line up alongside safety Jeremy Chinn in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins and should be a major factor in the secondary this season for Rob Leonard's unit.
Through training camp and the preseason, Stukes worked his way up the depth chart. He played with the starting defense in the team's final exhibition game against the San Francisco 49ers, and he clearly did enough to earn the starting nod.
Expect the Raiders to tap into Stukes' versatility, but he should see most of his snaps at free safety because of his ball skills. Coming out of Arizona as a primary slot defender, the rookie second-rounder may need time to adjust to a different role, but he's equipped to handle it with his skill set.
According to The Athletic's Sam Warren, Darien Porter will start at cornerback opposite Eric Stokes, but rookie fifth-rounder Hezekiah Masses could continue to push him for that spot.
Masses allowed four receptions on seven targets for 26 yards in the preseason, per Pro Football Focus. The battle for the No. 2 cornerback spot may not be over yet.
Runner-up: CB Hezekiah Masses
Most Improved Player: DT Tonka Hemingway
Tonka Hemingway already earned a mention for our bold season predictions, so it's fitting that he's the nominee for this category.
Hemingway earned praise from Raiders assistant general manager Brian Stark after he earned a starting spot in the team's defensive line rotation over the summer. The second-year pro's ability to chase down quarterbacks stands out most in his playmaking.
In a prominent role, Hemingway can usurp Jonah Laulu as the team's best interior pass rusher. They had the same number of sacks (four) last year, but the former played far fewer defensive snaps. With more time on the field, Hemingway could see a full breakout year.
If Kubiak uses two-tight-end sets at a high frequency to compensate for an underwhelming wide receiver corps, Mayer could emerge in the passing game and earn mention as the most improved player on the roster.
Runner-up: TE Michael Mayer
Best Offseason Acquisition: C Tyler Linderbaum
On a market-setting three-year, $81 million deal, Tyler Linderbaum comes to Las Vegas garnering high expectations. Based on the three Pro Bowl years on his resume, he'll be able to deliver and solidify the offensive line.
Linderbaum can identify defensive alignments and make necessary pre-snap adjustments, which will matter even more when Mendoza eventually takes snaps under center.
In the meantime, Cousins, a 15-year veteran quarterback, and Linderbaum should keep the offense running smoothly, leaving it to the skill players to execute the play calls.
Linderbaum's impact on the offensive line will be similar to what Rodney Hudson brought to the offensive line group dubbed "Carr Insurance" during his six years with the Raiders.
Also, keep an eye on Quay Walker on the other side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard will allow him to do a little more than he has in the past with the Green Bay Packers.
Runner-up: LB Quay Walker
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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