This is the calm before the storm. With nothing really happening in the time between the chaos that is roster cutdowns and the excitement that Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season will bring, we have a chance to dive deeper into this Las Vegas Raiders team before an 18-week stretch where everything matters.
Of course, Raider Nation is optimistic about this campaign, even if they still have some questions that they want answers to before the first contest. But the vibes are undeniably better around this team right now than they were a year ago, and that is not unimportant. Culture is a huge factor in rebuilds.
But let's pit the players in Las Vegas against each other for just a second. As we did after April's draft, let's rank the Raiders' position groups from the most to the least secure ahead of opening weekend. Some problems remain from the spring, but the summer brought some significant shifts as well.
Ranking Las Vegas Raiders' position groups ahead of Week 1
1. Tight end
With a one-two punch of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, the Silver and Black's best unit is obvious. And for the first time, both of them seem to have sizeable roles in this offense, so the duo can finally live up to its billing. Ian Thomas disappointed this preseason, so it'll be exciting to finally get Carter Runyon back from injury. But the starters in this room are just so good that they remain at the top.
2. Running back
Surprise!
Somehow, after having the NFL's worst rushing attack the last two seasons, the running back room in Las Vegas looks top notch. Ashton Jeanty remains elite, but rookie Mike Washington Jr. looked like a star in the making this preseason, and depth pieces like Dylan Laube and Dare Ogunbowale can play solid roles, too. With good blocking, this group may explode onto the scene.
3. Defensive end
Maxx Crosby carries a lot of weight in the defensive end room, but guys like Kwity Paye and Malcolm Koonce rotating in is quite the supporting cast. Plus, Patrick Johnson had a great preseason and even the practice squad has playable guys like Cian Slone and Azeez Ojulari. Keyron Crawford being out for the season is a bummer, but this pass rush should be improved with waves of solid players.
4. Quarterback
Kirk Cousins inspired at least some confidence in Raider Nation during the preseason by leading three scoring drives on three attempts. Fernando Mendoza also looked like the future face of the franchise, so it's good to know that this group has a built-in backup plan. Aidan O'Connell didn't play his best football, but the top two in this room should be able to help this offense perform well.
5. Interior offensive line
Although some questions remain about who will start at right guard, Klint Kubiak believes that he is picking between two starters. The trio of Tyler Linderbaum, Spencer Burford and either Jackson Powers-Johnson or Caleb Rogers is strong, and with Trey Zuhn III also backing up, this group has improved, but also has great contingency plans. Atonio Mafi being on the team is a mystery, though.
6. Offensive tackle
Kolton Miller is as solid as they come, and DJ Glaze appeared to take a significant step this offseason under Rick Dennison. Zuhn III can play backup right tackle, too, which is promising, but the major concern here is if an aging Miller goes down again, as Charles Grant didn't inspire much confidence this preseason. Still, though, the starting tandem appears to be above-average right now.
7. Linebacker
Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean will transform the middle of this defense, but it's hard not to think about how thin the room is. Both players have bad injury histories, and only Cody Lindenberg really looks capable of playing a defensive role right now behind them. If Tommy Eichenberg or Segun Olubi have to play a considerable number of snaps, this Raiders defense may be toast.
8. Cornerback
Eric Stokes is an entrenched starter, and the potential in this room is tremendous. But who will step up opposite Stokes between Darien Porter, Zeke Masses and Jermod McCoy? They also showed flashes this preseason, but all took their lumps as well. Darrell Luter Jr. is a nice veteran piece to add, and Taron Johnson is a stud at nickel, but the hope is that the secondary doesn't have a gaping hole.
9. Safety
Jeremy Chinn and Treydan Stukes are probably the starting duo here, and Chinn is a good player, but he has his limitations. And Stukes is a rookie who is sure to make some mistakes, so it may be a bit tough for this group at first. Isaiah Pola-Mao being the first guy to rotate in isn't disastrous, but it's not exactly inspiring either. Dalton Johnson and Tristin McCollum are solid but not quite reliable yet.
10. Defensive tackle
As fans knew all offseason, this defensive tackle unit is missing a guy. Adam Butler and an ascending Tonka Hemingway will start, but the next wave of Jonah Laulu, Thomas Booker IV and Foley Fatukasi isn't exactly dominant, and a lot remains to be seen with them. JJ Pegues is hanging on to the end of the room as well. There are solid players here, but can they get the job done or make a difference?
11. Wide receiver
No surprise here. Even Kubiak publicly expressed his frustrations with this group, as nobody outside of Tre Tucker has taken the bull by the horns and proved that they can perform. Jalen Nailor didn't step up, Jack Bech hasn't taken a leap yet, and Malik Benson couldn't turn training camp hype into production in the preseason. Dareke Young is a returner, but that's it. It may get a bit ugly here.
Add us as a preferred source on Google