Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders announced the first iteration of their 53-man roster. And while it's still a work in progress, John Spytek and Klint Kubiak should be proud of the work that they've done to overhaul critical aspects of this team in just one offseason.
We have already broken down the new-look squad in some pretty unconventional ways, but now that the dust has settled even more in Las Vegas, we, for some reason, decided to categorize every player on the Raiders' roster into tiers and rank all 53 of them from top to bottom.
It's so early in the process to be doing such a thing, I know, and because of that, I humbly ask to reserve the right to change this list down the line when new information becomes available. In the meantime, though, here is the Silver & Black's roster in order from worst to best.
Ranking every player on the 2026 Las Vegas Raiders' 53-man roster
Just happy to be here
53. Atonio Mafi
Mafi had his share of miscues during the preseason, and he was easily the biggest shock on the 53-man roster. That's why he's No. 53. He may not be the worst depth piece in the world, but that doesn't mean that he should have a spot on the roster in Las Vegas.
52. Dareke Young
Young didn't do anything to prove that he deserved a roster spot this summer, so he backed onto the team because of familiarity. But his pass-catching ability is limited, and if he doesn't contribute in the return game, and he doesn't seem to be in line to, then what kind of signifcance does he even hold?
51. Alex Ward
Ward is a veteran long snapper at this point and should get the job done, and he beat out rookie Tyler Duzansky for the gig this preseason. His job is safe. But based on positional value, I just don't see him having a huge impact for the Raiders, and it's hard to rank a long snapper any higher than this.
I hope we don't have to rely on them
50. Ian Thomas
Thomas is supposed to be a trusty veteran with a sure set of hands and the ability to move people in the run game. But in the preseason against exclusively backups, he dropped several passes, had a pre-snap penalty or two and couldn't help the second unit pave lanes. He's lucky he made the 53.
49. Charles Grant
Grant had a quiet offseason, as he didn't even challenge for the starting right tackle spot and he had just as many ups as downs during the exhibition slate. He is very much a work in progress, and while Grant has potential, I certainly wouldn't want to see him in a game on Sunday. Maybe he'll surprise us.
48. Segun Olubi
Olubi found his way back onto the roster after initially being waived following a quite underwhelming preseason. But he's got some solid experience at the NFL level and will probably contribute on special teams if he's active on game day. Let's just not ask him to cover anybody on defense, though.
47. Tommy Eichenberg
Eichenberg did not take the step that most fans thought he would this offseason, and in fact, he took a step back in some ways. Fans know what he is as a special teamer, but Raider Nation shouldn't be too confident about his prospects if he subs into the game on defense. He can't cover too well either.
46. Matt Gay
Where exactly are you supposed to slot a kicker in to these rankings? Gay impressed a lot more than folks thought he would this preseason, but it's still hard to say that he's a bona fide solution. And if he's not a depth piece or a high-end starter, he probably belongs in this tier.
Depth pieces
45. Dalton Johnson
Johnson flashed a lot this preseason, but he's still got a ways to go before he's ready to play any kind of defensive role on Sunday. He did enough good, though, to prove that he likely wouldn't sink the ship, and Johnson has quickly become a positive contributor on special teams.
44. Malik Benson
If this list was about potential, then Benson would be hire. But based on what he showed in three games this past August, the rookie sixth-rounder is a depth piece until futher notice. Benson will need to carve out a niche as a returner or quickly clean up his drop issues to make an impact this year.
43. Cody Lindenberg
Lindenberg had one rough outing in the preseason finale, but his body of work this offseason is what fans are holding onto. Until he proves to be more than a special-teamer, though, Lindenberg is a depth piece, but not necessarily one I'd be scared to rely on, even if he's got some work to do.
42. JJ Pegues
Pegues had more than his share of flashes this preseason and looked miles ahead of where he was at this time last year. But he still needs to prove that he can perform this way against starting-level competition. Pegues could have a role, albeit a small one, but he may also be a game-day inactive.
41. Tristin McCollum
McCollum looks capable of playing both safety spots at an effective level both in terms of coverage ability and willingness to get downhill and make tackles. He's not going to make any big plays, and he is capable of mistakes, of course, but McCollum can keep things afloat and help on special teams.
40. Foley Fatukasi
Fatukasi came in like gangbusters this summer and made it very obvious that he deserved a roster spot. And by all accounts, he could play a role this season, perhaps a bigger one than we think. But in such a small sample size, it's hard to confidently slide him up the board much more than this.
39. Patrick Johnson
Johnson, like Fatukasi, made a big statement in the preseason, and the whole building seems high on him. I still don't think he'll factor much into the rotation on the edge, but he can certainly make plays if he does. His special teams work alone, though, keeps his standing fairly high for a small role guy.
38. Darrell Luter Jr.
Luter Jr. is brand new, so maybe it's careless to rank him above too many others. But he comes to Las Vegas with a strong pedigree both on defense and special teams. Plus, several teams wanted him on the waiver wire, so Luter Jr. must be doing something right in both phases of the game.
Solid enough backups
37. Aidan O'Connell
O'Connell is inevitable in Las Vegas. And while the Raiders and their fans should hope that they don't have to rely on him, he doesn't belong in that tier. O'Connell is a solid enough backup, even if he didn't show it this preseason, as his experience and smarts would help the team tread water.
36. Dylan Laube
Laube snuck onto the roster the last two years, but he flat-out earned it in 2026; it wasn't even up for debate. He'll continue to make his mark on special teams, but Laube may have even carved out a role as a third-down back, especially if Ashton Jeanty misses time to begin the year.
35. Trey Zuhn III
Zuhn III really deserves props for looking solid this preseason after coming in and having to learn two positions that he didn't really play in college. He took his tumbles in preseason, sure, but I don't think the offensive line would be sunk at all if Zuhn III had to enter the ballgame, at center or right tackle.
34. Jermod McCoy
McCoy is ultra-talented, but he just hasn't quite put it all together yet in Las Vegas. And that's totally okay for a young player who has gone through what he has. But McCoy should still be a solid enough backup if called upon by the Raiders, at least for now, but he may fly up this list at any moment.
33. Thomas Booker IV
Booker IV is a bit underrated by this fanbase, and perhaps in the building, too. He'll rarely make a big play, but it's not often that Booker IV is a complete zero or a net negative on a rep. He should be used mainly as a pass-rusher, but Booker IV can stop the run as well. As it says, a solid enough backup.
32. Jack Bech
Bech has a lot of untapped potential, but until he taps into it, he's a rotational wide receiver, a.k.a., a backup. He showed what he's capable of in the preseason opener, but as has become common for Bech, he failed to sustain it. Let's hope he finds a rhythm and a role this year.
31. Jonah Laulu
Laulu didn't have the most effective preseason, but he's shown plenty in the past to feel confident in him as a backup. If not for Tonka Hemingway's emergence, Laulu may still be a starter. But, he's a good rotational piece, and will probably garner the biggest snap share among the non-starters.
Fringe starters
30. Isaiah Pola-Mao
Pola-Mao shouldn't have a starting role anymore, but he has enough experience at both safety spots to get the job done. Still, the Raiders sought out young DB help this offseason to upgrade from him. Pola-Mao dominated against backups in preseason, but his previous work against 1s is still a red flag.
29. Caleb Rogers
Klint Kubiak thinks that Rogers is a "starter," but it's unlikely at this point that he actually is. Rogers showed some serious promise last year and looked to be improved this August, but he still has some ground to cover to actually be a starter in Las Vegas, even if the talent is clearly there.
28. Jalen Nailor
Nailor truly had an abysmal summer, and the confidence in him appears to be low in Las Vegas, from the fanbase to the coaching staff, who played him while sitting the other starters. He can obviously turn it around, but Nailor looks like a fringe starter at this point more than a reliable contributor.
27. Zeke Masses
Masses has had exactly one bumpy showing in his career as a Raider thus far, and his ball skills have translated to practice. The next step for him is taking that into the game. Still, fans and the coaching staff wouldn't seemingly bat an eye if Masses was in the starting lineup.
26. Darien Porter
Porter made some mistakes this preseason, but also showed several flashes that he could be a very good corner. He and Masses are pretty neck-and-neck for the second starting corner job, but Porter has the leg up there, so I'm giving him the leg up here, too. With his tools, he can be very, very good.
25. Spencer Burford
Burford might have been in the "I hope we don't have to rely on them" tier if we made this back in the spring. But Burford has proven worthy of reliance, as he took an early hold of the starting left guard spot and hasn't given it up by playing incredibly well all throughout the summer.
24. Malcolm Koonce
Koonce has left a lot of meat on the bone since 2023, but he could finally return to form in 2026, now that he's further removed from injury. His snap share may go down with Kwity Paye in the building, but that may actually increase his overall impact because Koonce can just pin his ears back and rush.
Connor Heyward tier
23. Connor Heyward
Heyward has big shoes to fill as a fullback for the Raiders, but he deserves his own tier because he was great this preseason and it didn't feel fair to lump him in with other players. He may have a bigger role than most think, but at the least, Heyward will pave lanes as the lead back and make a difference.
Wildcards
22. DJ Glaze
Glaze has seemingly taken a step forward under Rick Dennison's tutelage, and that is a great thing for the Raiders' offensive line. He was thought to be the limiting factor up front, so if he improved across the board, as the preseason indicated, then this group has a higher ceiling than originally thought.
21. Treydan Stukes
Stukes continues to grow in front of our very eyes, and this high-floor player may already be tapping into some serious upside. Whether he gets more snaps at free safety or nickel, the Las Vegas defense will be better with him out there on the back end making plays.
20. Mike Washington Jr.
Washington Jr. is a stud, and it took serious restraint not to have him higher on this list. He showed this preseason that the Raiders don't have a 1-2 punch, but rather, a 1A-1B punch. Ashton Jeanty being hurt is a bummer, but Washington Jr.'s presence lessens the sting and keeps excitement high.
19. Tonka Hemingway
Hemingway ascended into the starting lineup with a strong offseason, and he may just be scratching the surface of what he can do. If he can keep improving as a run defender, then between that and his innate pass-rush ability, Hemingway can become a star in this league. But he's got to get there.
18. Michael Mayer
Mayer is going to surprise a lot of people this year with a big campaign in Kubiak's offense. Finally, the young tight end has a solid offensive play-caller and quarterback who can utilize him as the strong pass-catcher and blocker that he is. It's time to tap into that massive potential Mayer has.
17. Kirk Cousins
Yes, Cousins is a wild card. He is certainly capable of being an above-average quarterback in the NFL, but it's unknown which version of Cousins will show up, or what's even left in the tank. With mastery of this system, he should still be adequate, and at quarterback, that weighs a lot in this ranking.
16. Jackson Powers-Johnson
Powers-Johnson may have the most raw talent of any offensive lineman in the building, and under Dennison, I think he'll finally put it together. If he doesn't start, it may be the end for him in Las Vegas, but that doesn't change where he stacks up among his Raiders teammates.
15. Kwity Paye
Paye didn't get a lot of money this offseason for no reason, and it seems like the team plans to use him in a variety of ways, which is exciting. He's a very good run defender and if Paye can recharge his pass rush batteries and get back to that 8.0-ish range, then the Raiders will be in very good shape.
Good starters
14. Jeremy Chinn
Chinn got hung out to dry a lot last season, but Rob Leonard's scheme should be tailor-made to his strengths. If he can utilize his massive frame to drape defenders and bring down ball carries while occasionally wreaking havoc with blitzes, then Chinn can be a fun and effective piece for the defense.
13. Fernando Mendoza
Mendoza is the best quarterback on the roster. Argue with a wall. I know he's not the Week 1 starter, but he's got the best arm, he's mobile and Mendoza is a resilient leader that everyone will rally around. When he's ready to go or Cousins gives him an opening, it's on. And he'll soar up this list!
12. Tre Tucker
Tucker either stood out among his peers this offseason, or his peers really aren't worth their salt. I hope it's the former. Kubiak clearly loves Tucker's game and got him involved with manufactured touches in space. To that I say: great. Let's finally make life easy for Tucker and see what he can do.
11. Adam Butler
Butler is perennially underrated as both a run-stopper and pass-rusher; he's kept the Raiders' defensive interior competitive for years. And if nobody else is willing to give him credit, then I will. Butler's game is aging like fine wine and hasn't showed any real signs of spoiling just yet.
10. Quay Walker
Walker is equipped to thrive in a system that plays more to his strengths. It is expected that he'll line up all over the defense this year, and perhaps that helps phase out some of the lesser parts of Walker's game. Either way, he's a top-end defender and should make a huge impact in Las Vegas.
9. Eric Stokes
Stokes cashed in this offseason after a very good 2025, and if he displays more of the same during this season, then the Raiders' secondary will be in business. It won't be easy for Stokes, as he's got a young crew around him, but that'll only help him prove his worth more in 2026.
Plus starters
8. Nakobe Dean
Not sure how hot of a take this is, but Dean is the best linebacker on the roster, and when healthy, truly among the best in the league. His coverage skills, combined with his great run-stopping ability and elite IQ will make him a weapon for Leonard to deploy all season. Him and Walker are a great duo.
7. Taron Johnson
Johnson's arrival wasn't celebrated as much as it should have been, but he showed in limited preseason snaps why he's regarded as one of the best nickel defenders in the NFL. And with him expanding his territory into the safety realm, that only increases the ways he can help the defense.
6. Kolton Miller
Miller appears to be healthy and at the peak of his powers again after a big injury last season. With a solid supporting cast around him, perhaps Miller can finally be part of a good offensive line again and earn some individual accolades. But for now, he's the best of this tier.
Pro Bowl-lever players
5. A.J. Cole
What we're not going to do on this website is discredit A.J. Cole or not give him his flowers. He is an elite, elite player, even if Raider Nation groans every time he steps on the field. Truthfully, I almost put him higher, but there has to be limits to where you rank punters on lists like these.
4. Ashton Jeanty
Jeanty not having the rookie season anyone wanted doesn't change the fact that he's among the most special running backs in the NFL. When he returns from injury, he should hit the ground running with a better line and overall offensive situation, and Jeanty will show why he's a Pro Bowler. At least.
3. Tyler Linderbaum
Linderbaum didn't reset the center market in a ridiculous way this offseason by accident. And if he keeps impacting the Raiders' offensive line all year the way he has in the early going, maybe he'll be due for a bump up into the next year. But he is clearly the third-best player on this roster.
Bona fide superstars
2. Maxx Crosby
Crosby is, in a lot of ways, the face of the franchise, and he is heralded as one of the NFL's best edge defenders. He's the very best at his position as a run-stopper. But to truly get into that very top echelon, he needs more sacks and forced fumbles. With more help this year, Crosby can get there.
1. Brock Bowers
Bowers is an otherworldly talent at the tight end position, and you simply cannot say enough what a transformational player he is. In the not-so-distant future, he'll be the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. But in the meantime, he'll have to settle for being the Raiders' best player.
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