News Raiders Team Notes

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders fans want a cornerback added

Pete Carroll | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

It’s been a need all offseason

The Las Vegas Raiders’ need to add a cornerback has bene a topic throughout the offseason and it still is.

They have visited with and been rumored to have interest in multiple veterans at the position and yet nothing has developed.

So, we asked our community members if they would be fine if the Raiders don’t add a cornerback soon.

The results are clear: Fans want to see Las Vegas general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll add another player at the position for the season. In our poll, 62 percent of the voters want to see the Raiders sign a cornerback, while 38 think the team will be fine with their current group of corners.

I get the reason why this poll went the way it did.

Las Vegas has signed Erick Stokes in free agency and drafted Darien Porter n the third round. They are the current favorites to start on the outside during the regular season. They also have Darnay Holmes, Jakorian Bennett, Decamerion Richardson, Sam Webb and Ky Blu Kelly.

They can use some more depth there and the good thing is, there is time for it to happen.

Here are some of your responses. Sign up and go to the comments section.

Nunchucks
With the new and improved Raiders front office and scouting department... I am super confident that Spy is going to add a couple of quality free agents at CB and another DL, OL, Safety or WR before the season starts...preferably around the beginning of training camp...He says it's a constant process and he is patiently waiting for the right players to become available like roster cuts due to salary cap issues or for existing free agents that are done bargaining for a contract...need a team and finally are ready to sign their deals...Spy and his scouting department are not done yet Nation!...It's just getting started..."We are always looking for players that can improve the team"...John Spytek
jdg3
even if we get guys that step up as starters, we don't have much depth. Adding a vet would be a good idea.
My hope is JB and Porter end up earning the outside spots as they will be here beyond this year. Slot is an issue
enufizenuf
100% no, Has to be top priority. Right now our biggest need. PFF just named us dead last for cornerbacks and I agree. Even though Jones sucked, I think wiith the departure of him and Hobbs we're way worse off than last year, not to mention the continued injury problems of Wilkins. Patrick Graham has totally failed to produce good pass coverage, so why should this year be different, especially with diminished talent.​

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/7/16/24465888/raiders-needs-cornerback-2025-season-preview

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Special teams is where these Raiders can punch their roster ticket

Taken with the 222nd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, linebacker Cody Lindenberg can punch his roster ticket by showcasing not only his defensive acumen, but his special teams prowess. | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Rookies Cody Lindenberg, Darien Porter have special teams prowess to stick in Las Vegas

Pete Carroll’s Las Vegas Raiders are set to embark on all-important training camp at the tail end of this week and next. The rookies report first on July 17 with veterans joining their neophyte teammates on July 22.

The Silver & Black’s veteran head coach has preached open competition and earning roster spots since he was hired way back in January. So much so, the proper tagline for Carroll’s Raiders is: Com-Pete.

With NFL rosters bloated at 90, the staggering change to the 53-man roster come cutdown day is going to leave swaths of players on the waiver wire and free agent market — effectively ending the dream for many.

But as I’ve said before — and how the NFL has proven so — the easiest way to punch a roster ticket is to become a special teams standout. Raiders hopefuls don’t have to look very far for inspiration as safety Isaiah Pola-Mao followed this exact blueprint of shining on special teams and grinding to get starting snaps. There’s also former New England Patriots wide receivers Julian Edelman (special teamer to starter) and Matthew Slater (core special teamer for 16 seasons), and former Los Angeles Rams/Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Corey Littleton (special teamer to starter).

Thus, let’s take a look at five Raiders who can ensure they’re on the 53-man roster by making an impression on special teams boss Tom McMahon, the rest of the coaching staff, and general manager John Spytek.

Will the #Vikings regret not drafting LB Cody Lindenberg? @thorku thinks so pic.twitter.com/aX79usQ35D

— SKOR North - Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) June 19, 2025​

Cody Lindenberg​

Rookie, Linebacker​

Taken with the 222nd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, this 6-foot-2 and 236-pound defender from Minnesota has the size and football IQ to make a run at earning one of the linebacker spots.

This Golden Gophers intelligence and instincts allow him to be patient, read and react, and flow to plays. And Lindenberg is a fundamentally sound tackler — a trait that’s golden for special teams work.

Las Vegas did waive Amari Burney (a linebacker who 2023 sixth-round pick who had 384 snaps on McMahon’s units in 2024) and those are snaps Lindenberg should gun for as a late-round rookie. A core special teams role is there for the taking.

Darien Porter​

Rookie, Cornerback​

Talk about a prototypical Carroll cornerback. This Iowa State product boasts a 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame with 33 1/8-inch arms and 4.3-flat (40-yard dash time) speed to boot. It’s no wonder the Raiders made Darien Porter the 68th overall pick (third round) in the 2025 draft.

That elite combination of size, speed, and length afforded Porter the ability to become a special teams maven in college as he racked up an ungodly five blocked kicks in his career at Iowa State.

He only had one full season as a starting cornerback for the Cyclones so while development and refinement is needed to become a defensive back in the Raiders’ defense, he arrives readymade to become an elite special teamer for McMahon, and that’s likely to make Porter a roster mainstay for years to come.

“Practice. And I’m going to be honest with you, experience. 999 reps of special teams. I’ve never, ever have seen that many in my career, personally,” McMahon said of Porter. “So, when you’ve played six years in college and you have that many reps, it’s practice. And he plays fast now. He’s a big player that plays really, really fast. He’s detailed and he’s got a lot of we can’t teach what he can do.”

"It's not the sexiest job... they are game-changing plays."

Darien Porter blocked a kick in Iowa State's win over K-State. The senior from Bettendorf has now blocked five kicks in his career.

Porter talks about the pride he takes in his job. pic.twitter.com/XvwvPqY4t3

— Jake Brend (@JakeBrendTV) December 1, 2024​

Tommy Mellot​

Rookie, Wide Receiver​

Transitioning from athletic and elusive college quarterback to NFL wide receiver is going to be a steep climb for this Montana State product. But with the Raiders in dire need of an impact return men in both the kickoff and punt department, an opening is there.

At 6-feet and 200 pounds, Mellot’s 4.39 speed (pro day time) along with his vision, intelligence, and elusiveness give him the traits to make a go as a returner for Las Vegas.

Mellot displayed the explosiveness and ability to hit top speed quickly at Montana State and the Raiders can’t have enough of that on special teams — all the while developing and refining himself as a route-runner and pass-catcher as a wideout.

“If you go fast, I can’t teach fast. I can correct everything else. If you make a mistake with leverage, I’ll correct it. But we want to see every single guy compete,” McMahon said of the special teams group in June. “You talk to Pete [Carroll] and everything’s about competition, and the person you’re trying to compete with is yourself. You’re striving for that excellence. And the bottom line is, if you give effort, I’ll fix what needs to be fixed. And I think in tribute to all these guys in this league, I think all of you know this, what these guys can do, we can’t teach. What they can’t do, we can.”

Dylan Laube,​

2nd Year, Running Back​

With Ashton Jeanty’s arrival in the backfield as the sixth-overall pick in the 2025 draft along with veteran speedster Raheem Mostert joining the team as a free agent, Las Vegas running back room is more well-stocked than last season.

Which can leave this sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft in no man’s land.

Laube’s fumbling issues scuttled his chances of becoming a contributor on offense but he did play on special teams — including a highlight 59-yard kickoff return against the Denver Broncos last November. The New Hampshire product needs to do this consistently and make a case for return-man duties or he’ll be one of the hopefuls waxed on cutdown day.

Dylan Laube takes the kickoff back 59 yards for the @Raiders!

: #DENvsLV on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/lkkzX3gq8x

— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024​

Kyle Phillips​

3rd Year, Wide Receiver​

This former UCLA Bruin wideout is someone Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is familiar with, but it’s Phillips’ special teams potential that will dictate if the third-year pro remains in the league.

A slot receiver by trade, Phillips was a shifty punt returner in college (26 returns for 501 yards and two touchdowns in four years at UCLA) and had limited opportunities with the Tennessee Titans the last two years (23 receptions, 259 yards; nine punt returns, 85 yards (long of 46).

At 5-foot-11 and 189 pounds with 4.58 speed, the measurables and numbers aren’t going to wow you, but if Phillips can recapture that Bruins’ magic, he has a shot (longshot).

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/7/16/24465859/raiders-2025-cody-lindenberg-special-teams

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

What to expect from Laki Tasi?

Laki Tasi | Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Pete Carroll talks up big, developmental offensive lineman

One of the more interesting players to watch for the Las Vegas Raiders when they begin training camp later this month is a player who very likely not appear in a regular-season game in 2025.

But there is no doubt, there is internal excitement about Laki Tasi. The Raiders signed Tasi in April through the International Player Pathway Program. The Raiders brought in the massive Tasi (he is 6-foot-6, 348 pounds) as a defensive tackle. But they moved him to the offensive line early in their offseason process.

Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll went out of his way to address Tasi at the end of the team’s mandatory minicamp in June.

“My favorite guy out there to watch is Laki Tasi,” Carroll said. “He knows nothing about football when he walked in the door and he’s made tremendous progress, and he’s enormous. He’s the biggest guy you ever saw. I think he weighed in at weigh-ins the other day at 369. He’s learning and we got to keep an eye on him. It’s an exciting process. I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but he’s starting from ground zero, and he’s made a lot of progress so far.”

That a pretty interesting quote by Carroll. he didn’t have to even mention Tasi (the question was a general one about the offensive line). But Carroll sees something in Tasi. Usually, players from International Player Pathway Program toil quietly without much notice or expectations because they are learning the game basically from scratch. But Tasi has caught Carroll’s eye.

Tasi was born in Samoa but grew up in Brisbane, Australia, where he became a standout rugby player. He began playing football in 2024 via the NFL Academy in Gold Coast, Queensland.

The plan has been for Tasi to start on the practice squad and develop. So, it could take some time for him to be ready for the 53-man roster, but it’s clear it’s not out of the question that he eventually plays meaningful snaps for the Raiders at some point.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/7/17/24455146/raiders-laki-tasi-offensive-lineman

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders draft: The entire class is signed

Jack Bech | Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images

Las Vegas signs second-round pick Jack Bech

The Las Vegas Raiders have now signed their entire 2025 draft class.

Las Vegas has signed second-round pick Jack Bech and now has signed all 11 of their selections from the April 24-26 draft process.

The #Raiders have agreed to terms with WR Jack Bech on a four-year rookie contract, per source. There had been an NFL-wide log jam on second-round picks getting their deals done until recently. Now, Las Vegas has all 11 picks from their 2025 draft class locked in.

— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) July 18, 2025​

There have been some high second-round pick getting fully guaranteed contracts, which is the first time that has ever happened. So, there was a bit of a delay with some second-round picks around the league, but that logjam was alleviated late Wednesday and second-round picks quickly began to sign.

Bech, the No. 58 overall pick, out of TCU, has a chance to be a Week 1 starter opposite of Jakobi Meyers.

To recap, here is the Las Vegas Raiders’ 11-player 2025 draft class:

• Round 1, Pick 6: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
• Round 2, Pick 58 (from HOU): TCU WR Jack Bech
• Round 3, Pick 68: Iowa State CB Darien Porter
• Round 3, Pick 98 (from MIA): Texas Tech G Caleb Rogers
• Round 3, Pick 99 (from HOU): William & Mary OT Charles Grant
• Round 4, Pick 108: Tennessee WR Dont’e Thornton Jr.
• Round 4, Pick 135 (from MIA): South Carolina DT Tonka Hemingway
• Round 6, Pick 180: Ole Miss DT JJ Pegues
• Round 6, Pick 213 (comp): Montana St QB/WR Tommy Mellott
• Round 6, Pick 215 (comp): North Dakota State QB Cam Miller
• Round 7, Pick 222: Minnesota LB Cody Lindenberg

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/7/17/24429604/raiders-draft-class-signed-jack-bech

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders fans sent message about T.J. Watt

T.J. Watt | Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Go get him ... too late of course

T.J. Watt, you say?

Yes, please, said the Raider Nation.

But, course, it won’t happen.

Thursday, the star pass-rusher and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a massive new contract that will keep him with the franchise. They had been embroiled in a growing contract dispute this offseason and teams were reportedly calling the Steelers about him.

So, if Watt were to have became available, Raiders fans wanted the team to be on the receiving end of a massive trade for a pass-rusher this time around. We recently asked our community members if they would want to see the Raiders pull off a blockbuster for Watt.

If a poll with nearly 1,100 votes cast, 57 percent of the voters want to see the Watt do whatever it takes to secure Watt, while 43 percent won’t allow themselves to dream that big.

I get what the majority of the voters are thinking. Watt, who turns 31 in October, is a premier NFL player. He has been an NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a six-time first or second-team All-Pro pick. He has 108 sacks in eight NFL seasons.

It would have been nice if it got to that point.

Here are some of your responses. Sign up and go to the comments section.

DaysofOld
There is no way Pittsburgh lets him get out the door. It would have to be a Mack trade…lol
raiderz28
I don't think we can afford him, we only have projected $25 million in cap space, presumably some of that is going towards resigning Jakobi Meyers and Koltin Miller
Vila41
Fun food for thought, but it's not happening.
Although, if it did, then good coaches know how to use players who have a similar skillset (i.e., Maxx & Watt). The fact they are both edge players shouldn't be an issue.​

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/7/18/24464562/raiders-tj-watt-steelers-trade

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Alex Cappa a good case study in John Spytek’s roster building, evaluation skills

Alex Cappa, right, has reportedly been a mainstay at right guard on the Las Vegas Raiders offensive line. The free agent was one of the first new additions to the team by general manager John Spytek. | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Offensive lineman was one of Raiders GM’s first new additions in Las Vegas

The connection with John Spytek and Alex Cappa is undeniable.

Spytek was part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers front office that made Cappa — a Division II small-school product out of Humboldt State (now Cal Poly Humboldt) — a third-round pick (94th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft.

(Full disclosure: I’m a Humboldt alumni myself and covered Cappa during his time with the Lumberjacks football team.)

Cappa was an integral part of the Bucs offensive line that protected quarterback Tom Brady and while he missed Tampa’s Super Bowl LV victory due to a fractured ankle, the 6-foot-6 and 312-pounder was a mainstay up front.

As you can see, the connections run deep. Spytek is now the Las Vegas Raiders general manager and Brady is a minority owner of the Silver & Black. And one of Spytek’s initial additions to his and head coach Pete Carroll’s roster: Cappa.

A cap casualty for the Cincinnati Bengals after he inked a four-year, $35 million contract, Cappa was released on March 3 and on March 5, inked a two-year, $11 million deal with the Las Vegas.

Raiders make it official with G Alex Cappa #Raiders pic.twitter.com/wWNirM7Xjy

— Your Boy Q (@YourboyQ254) March 5, 2025​

With Cappa now in the fold, his signing provides a good case study in Spytek’s roster building and player evaluation acumen. It’s no secret that Cappa struggled mightily during the 2024 season with the Bengals as he ranked bottom of the barrel as a starting right guard in 17 starts. The two seasons prior, the offensive lineman was a reliable and stout right guard playing and starting in all of but one game (in 2022).

Cappa’s most recent season output rightfully brought on questions of why did the Raiders hand over a payday to a guard that wasn’t up to league par. But Cappa’s signing can play out in two ways:

1. Spytek knows something that many don’t and Cappa has a resurgent year in Silver & Black.
2. Cappa’s 2024 was indicative of his career trajectory now and he struggles once more.

Either way, it’s something to keep an eye on.

Especially considering Raiders team columnist Paul Gutierrez (ESPN’s former beat writer for the team) dropped a dime regarding Cappa on Raider Nation Radio’s Unnecessary Roughness with Q Meyers last week.

“I think Cappa all but has the right guard position sewn up,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez sentiment lines up with other beat writers who attended OTAs and mandatory minicamps in May and June, respectively. Cappa was the mainstay at right guard in between center Jackson Powers-Johnson and right tackle DJ Glaze.

#Raiders guard Alex Cappa brought his son to the presser and the kid made the most of the moment pic.twitter.com/uBYYyd8cut

— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) June 13, 2025​

A team’s offensive line is often the heartbeat of the offense — regardless of how sexy skill positions are like quarterback or running back — and if the trench warriors aren’t up to snuff, the Raiders aren’t going to be able to do enough on offense.

Carroll has entrusted the offensive line development on a trio of coaches: His son Brennan Carroll who is the run game coordinator/offensive line coach; Andy Dickerson who is the assistant offensive line boss; and Joe Philbin who is a senior offensive assistant that was held on to from the previous Raiders’ staff. Philbin has a long history of coaching offensive lines and was the interim line boss last season.

As Las Vegas embarks on an integral training camp later this week and next — rookies report on July 17 while veterans join them on July 22 — identifying the starting five on the offensive line will parlay itself into backups and depth. And when the pads come on and the Raiders can get physical, we’ll find out a whole lot more about the pretenders and contenders for roster spots.

Carroll is a big proponent on open competition and we’ll find out if Cappa is indeed the frontrunner at right guard or a shuffle commences.

We've talked a lot about the energy Pete Carroll brings to the #Raiders and it's so easy to see how quickly he's built up a strong bond with his team

At practice today it looked like he tried to pin Thayer Munford when he was stretching.

How is this dude 73?! pic.twitter.com/H7xawK79PX

— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) June 4, 2025​

Which brings us to another jewel Gutierrez dropped, this time on the Raiders official website. Highlighting the offense’s success hinges on the guys in the trenches, the longtime writers column provided a view into the first five heading into training camp.

“Pencils ready, then? Howze about grizzled vet Kolton Miller at left tackle, Dylan Parham at left guard (with Thayer Munford Jr. nipping at his heels), Powers-Johnson at center, free-agent signee Alex Cappa at right guard and DJ Glaze at right tackle entering training camp?,” Gutierrez wrote.

That left guard spot is of particular interest as it appeared early on it was a fight between incumbents Parham and Jordan Meredith. There’s nary a mention of Meredith and it’s Munford who is slated to duke it out with the much lighter Parham (Munford is 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Parham 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, for reference).

Protecting new starting quarterback Geno Smith and paving the way for prized sixth overall pick in the 2025 draft, running back Ashton Jeanty, are must-dos this coming year and the offensive line will dictate much of the success (and failure).

In turn, Cappa’s arrival will give us a glimpse to a pass-fail scenario with Spytek as roster man.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/7/18/24467578/raiders-2025-offense-alex-cappa-guard

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raider Nation believes the Raiders will finish 2nd in the AFC West

Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images

44% of Raider Nation has faith the Raiders will improve and finish second in the AFC West

With the NFL season upon us, Raider Nation is ready to see this new team on the field. Pete Carroll’s presence has created a buzz among the fan base, with expectations of a revival for the Las Vegas Raiders franchise.

The Raiders will be facing an uphill battle competing in a division with three playoff teams. The Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to push for the postseason, and the Raiders will attempt to steal the show.

In this week’s SB Nation Reacts, we ask Raider Nation, where will the Raiders finish in the AFC West? Could they steal the show and make noise in the division? Raider fans were a mixed bag, with 44% believing the Raiders will finish 2nd in the AFC West and 21% voting for first.

While there is optimism among the fan base 15% believe the Raiders haven’t improved enough to compete. It will be interesting to see what happens when September rolls around.

Check out the latest NFL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/7/19/24470658/raiders-reacts-raiders-second-afc-west

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

In a young Raiders’ cornerback room, Kyu Blu Kelly has a shot

At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Kyu Blu Kelly has the height and length Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll prefers. But the 24-year-old cornerback needs to make an impression as the Silver & Black progress through the offseason. | Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

With preferred height and length, roster climb will be challenge in Las Vegas

Standing 6-foot-1 with 32-inch arm length, Kyu Blu Kelly fits the preferred traits Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has historically sought from his cornerbacks.

The 24-year-old defender is part of a young cornerback room in the desert and, after being a practice squader who was elevated and reverted to the taxi squad, Kelly is again trying to make an impression for roster considerations in Las Vegas.

A fifth-round pick (157th overall) by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 NFL Draft, this former Stanford Cardinal found himself on a trio of teams that season — Ravens, Seattle Seahawks (with Carroll) and the Washington Commanders. Last year, Kelly was inked by the Raiders in early September as a street free agent.

From there, he played in four total games for Las Vegas totaling meager numbers (below) in 14 defensive snaps and 12 special teams snaps.

By The Numbers
Kyu Blu Kelly, Cornerback

• 2024: 4 games (0 starts), 2 total tackles (1 solo)
• Career: 12 games (0 starts), 10 total tackles (9 solo), 1 tackle for loss

Raiders' current outside cornerbacks by arm length

Stokes-32 7/8
Bennet-31 7/8
Richardson-32 3/8
Kyu Blu Kelly-32
MJ devonshire-32 7/8

Jones-30 3/4

Just not a fit for Carroll unless he moved inside. That's why if they draft Johnson, he will have a role similar to Witherspoon… https://t.co/Ez5VDJR0eQ

— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) April 6, 2025​

With the Raiders set for training camp later this week and next, Kelly is one of 10 cornerbacks on the current 90-man limit. He’s also one of seven under the age of 25 with veteran nickel corner Darnay Holmes the oldest at 27, Sam Webb also 27, and veteran Eric Stokes at 26.

Flip it and the youngest cornerbacks are: Rookies Mello Dotson, Greedy Vance, and John Humphrey (all undrafted) and 23 years old.

Las Vegas’ 2025 draft pick — Darien Porter, third round (68th overall) — is an “older” prospect at age 24 while fellow youngsters Jakorian Bennett (24) and Decamerion Richardson (24) rounding out the cornerback room.

The pecking order at the position group has yet to be decided and that helps Kelly and the other hopefuls when Las Vegas reconvenes for training camp.

That’ll be the period where the team can put on pads and get physical. And that often provides the demarcation line for coaching staffs and front office alike to make roster decisions that span from starters, backups, and depth to the jarring cutdown from the 90- to 53-man roster before the regular season.

In order for Kelly to make an impression, however, he’ll need to outshine a hungry cornerback room and showcase the talent and production he exhibited during his collegiate career at Stanford.

Excited to get Kyu Blu Kelly in our secondary!

Tune into the NFL Draft now on ESPN, ABC, NFL Network. pic.twitter.com/viaCG7uiGH

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 29, 2023​

Kelly used his size and length, along with instincts to be a nuisance in coverage (three total interceptions (one pick six) and 23 total pass deflections in four seasons for the Cardinal) over the course of his collegiate career.

When Kelly was in prime position, he made plays on the ball that you’d expect.

But where he struggles is stickiness in man-to-man as his recovery speed wasn’t ideal. While his size and length helps tighten throwing areas when he’s in coverage and he can jam a receiver with the best of them with his long arms, the lack of explosive burst was apparent and savvy route runners with top end speed got the best of Kelly. And if he whiffs on in press or match coverage, he doesn’t have the jets to make up lost round.

Kelly is more well-suited for zone schemes — which Carroll and Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham prefer — but there are times where man coverage is dialed up and unless Kelly shows he can hang, that’ll be an area of opportunity. Which dampens his roster climb amongst a group of cornerbacks with fleet-feet (4.25 40-yard dash time for Stokes; 4.30-flat for both Bennett and Porter; 4.34 for Richardson).

A deep reserve/special teamer appears to be Kelly’s ceiling as he heads into 2025. Unless he puts together standout effort in upcoming camp and preseason action. But familiarity with Carroll and having the desired physical traits does give him a shot — a longshot one at that.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/7/19/24467567/raiders-2025-kyu-blu-kelly-cornerback

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

A whiz kid on the Raiders coaching staff?

Conner McQueen (14) played his college football at Texas A&M and that’s where his coaching career started back in 2017. Now McQueen is the offensive quality control coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

At age 31, offense quality control coach Conner McQueen is a promising young assistant

Working under accomplished and well-respected football minds in Chip Kelly and Lincoln Riley, it was no surprise to see Conner McQueen go from graduate assistant to offensive coordinator five short years.

Learning from two of the most creative and high-octane offensive minds in college football, McQueen’s ascension to Incarnate Word play caller and quarterbacks coach seemed inevitable.

And thus, when Kelly was hired by head coach Pete Carroll to run his Las Vegas Raiders offense, the reunion with McQueen was equally as predestined. Initially announced as becoming the Silver & Black’s assistant wide receivers coach back in February, the Raiders official website lists McQueen as an offense quality control coach.

At age 31 and nine years deep into his coaching career after being a collegiate walk-on at Texas A&M (2012-16), “rising star” is attached to McQueen’s name and perhaps, the Raiders do have a whiz kid on the coaching staff.

SOURCE: Incarnate Word offensive coordinator/QBs coach Conner McQueen is expected to become the assistant WRs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. Incarnate Word finished No. 2 in FCS in total offense and passing offense in 2024 in his first season there. Before that, the former…

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 12, 2025​

Of Like Minds​

Cutting his teeth under Kelly — who was the head coach for the UCLA Bruins from 2018-23 — and Lincoln Riley — twice, once with the Oklahoma Sooners from 2020-21, and again with the USC Trojans in 2022 — as a graduate assistant, McQueen learned under two creative and productive offensive minds in the game.

He got to see up close what it takes to develop, call, and refine high-powered offenses which he took with him to Incarnate Word.

“You find things you like and don’t like,” McQueen said of his coaching journey and work under both Kelly and Riley, during a Q&A session with TexAgs.com last week. “The things I appreciated with Lincoln Riley and developing the relationship were the ability to have an adaptable and mobile offense. These are the plays we run, and we will run them. It’s saying each year, your team will be different, and it’s becoming the case with the transfer portal and revenue sharing, and it’s a brand-new roster every year.

“You have to be able to adapt your scheme offensively to mold your personnel. What can our players do well instead of running 60 plays, and this is what you’ll do. We rebuild every year, but not from ground zero.”

The portion about adapting the scheme to mold your personnel sounds awfully familiar, doesn’t it? That’s what Kelly said during one of his media sessions with the Raiders.

Cardinals’ Shot Caller​

During his tenure at Incarnate Word, McQueen dialed up an offense that scored 336 points (33.6 per game average) in 2023 and 471 points (33.64 average) in 2024. The Cardinals’ finished 9-2 overall and 11-3 overall in those two seasons with McQueen orchestrating a top-performing offensive unit in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

Lauded for innovation and fostering team cohesion, McQueen paired with head coach Clint Killough for deep FCS playoff runs.

McQueen took a balanced approach in his two seasons as Incarnate Word’s offensive coordinator. In 2023, the team ran the ball 335 times while throwing 371. In 2024, McQueen’s offense ran the ball 494 times while throwing 540 times.

In his final season as Cardinals’ play caller, Incarnate Word had two 1,000-yard receivers — Jalen Walthall (85 receptions, 1,290 yards, 14 touchdowns) and Roy Alexander (100 receptions, 1,108 yards, 13 touchdowns). Quarterback Zach Calzada was the distributor of the football throwing for 3,791 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions with a 65.72 percent completion rate. Running back Dekalon Taylor paced the run game with 909 yards and nine touchdowns (a long of 97 yards).

Incarnate Word OC - Conner McQueen

Progressive Install

1st Install - Base/Generic
- Build Confidence
- Dont Substitute Execution for Tempo
2nd Install - Tempo
- Tempo off of Base Install
3rd Install - Add Motion
- Change the presentation of the Basehttps://t.co/WhQUZCsmCU pic.twitter.com/izOEYkwzBo

— Spencer Wheeler (@CoachSCDub) December 8, 2024​

Now in Silver & Black​

The role of quality control coach will suit McQueen well. That was his title in his first coaching gig out of college with Texas A&M and his familiarity with Kelly will certainly facilitate a smooth transition.

While quality control coaching duties can range from team-to-team, it usually entails film break down and analysis, scouting reports, communication and collaboration, and game day support.

Breaking down tendencies and charting them for Kelly and other offensive coaches is right up McQueen’s alley and so is communication and collaboration. As a former play caller — despite what you may think of FCS-level of football — will help McQueen if he’s tasked with scout team duties. Scout team simulates the opposing offense in practices and is a valuable preparation tool.

“With the Raiders, especially, I’m around a ton of great minds in football,” McQueen noted.

We’ll see if he can bring the “lightning” which he was well known for in college to the pro game. And with how NFL teams are always looking for the next up and coming star in the coaching ranks, don’t be surprised if McQueen ascends the Raiders ranks or is plucked from Las Vegas by another pro team or collegiate squad.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...aiders-2025-offense-conner-mcqueen-chip-kelly

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders fans not feeling Jauan Jennings trade

Jauan Jennings | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images

49ers wide receiver may ask to be traded

The Las Vegas Raiders have been connected to veteran wide receivers all offseason with the latest being San Francisco 49ers’ standout Jauan Jennings.

Last week, ESPN reported that Jennings. wants a contract extension and if not, he may seek to be traded. Of course, the Raiders are among the teams that are being connected to Jennings.

So, we asked our community members if they would want the Raiders to trade for Jennings.

It seems like the Raider Nation is not feeling a Jennings trade pursuit. In a poll with more than 300 votes cast, 76 percent of the voters don’t see the value of the Raiders trading for Jennings, while just 24 percent of the voters think he’d be a good fit.

I lean with the majority here.

Jennings is free agent next year, so any team that trades for him will likely need to give him a new deal. The Raiders drafted Jack Bech and Dont’a Thornton and are hopeful both of them will be key contributors soon. Current No. 1 receiver Jakobi Meyers is a free agent, like Jennings, in 2026 and he has said he is hopeful to remain in Las Vegas.

So, I don’t think Jennings is overly needed.

Sign up and go to the comments section.

enufizenuf
Seems like only way to even consider this, is, if Carroll doesn't think Bech is gonna be the guy. I've always liked Jennings, he seems tough, dependable, and I've seen him make a lot of big plays for the Niners. But, he seems to bring a similar skillset to Bech, so unless Bech is looking like dog poo, forget it..
raiderz28
I dont think we really looking for another receiver unless he can bring something unique to the table, such as special teams contributing or being a particularly nice red zone target
We could use another running back in my opinion, more talent in the defensive backfield, maybe some depth on the d line
YuccaBrevifolia
There will be plenty of options available on cut down day.​

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ders-jauan-jennings-trade-49ers-wide-receiver

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Lingering questions as Raiders head into training camp

We’re going to learn plenty about Pete Carroll’s Las Vegas Raiders when the team embarks on training camp through the rest of this month and into August. | Candice Ward-Imagn Images

From Christian Wilkins’ health, to the offensive line, Las Vegas has plenty of work to do heading into preseason

First the rookies. And then the veterans.

That’s how the Las Vegas Raiders embark on all-important training camp. Slated at the team’s headquarters at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nevada, the Silver & Black’s rookies arrived first this past Thursday with veterans slated to join this coming Tuesday.

From now until the team’s final preseason game on August 23 against the Arizona Cardinals, it’s all about determining who makes the team during the staggering cut down from 90 players to the 53-man regular season roster on August 26.

Thus, let’s take a look at the lingering questions the Raiders face heading into the first training camp between head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek:

When Will Christian Wilkins Return?​

The prized free agent signing last offseason, Wilkins’ recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot remains a mystery. The reports vary with some noting Wilkins should be back by Week 1 to others being more unclear.

But the Raiders officially put their well-paid defender on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list this past Friday. As The Athletic’s Tashan Reed noted, the defensive tackle was out of a walking boot but was seen sporting one once again.

The Raiders inked Wilkins to a five-year, $110 million contract with $82.75 guaranteed and the 30-year-old defender holds an $18.137 million cap number in 2025. That jumps to $37.675 million in 2026 (at age 31) and $33.675 in 2027 (age 32).

#Raiders DT Christian Wilkins is back in a walking boot (he was in attendance at Kyle Van Voy's charity golf challenge yesterday). It's the same foot where he suffered a Jones Fracture last October. pic.twitter.com/Uyro8XWUrD

— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) June 24, 2025​

Las Vegas did draft a pair of defensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft: Tonka Hemingway (135th overall, South Carolina) and JJ Pegues (180th overall, Ole Miss). But Wilkins is supposed to be the high-motor, high-effort tag team partner on the inside for defensive end Maxx Crosby.

The only parties that know really what’s going on with the high-priced defensive tackle are Wilkins and the Raiders. And neither are talking about it.

So it’s wait and see.

Who Are The Startling Linebackers? ​

And a sub-question: What will the Raiders base alignment be on defense?

That’ll go a long way into answering the starters question above. Because Las Vegas rarely had three linebackers on the field during Patrick Graham’s tenure as defensive coordinator. And it’ll be interesting if the arrival of Carroll and linebackers coach John Glenn — who is a longtime Pete guy — have some sway in changing that.

If the Raiders deploy a 4-2-5 nickel alignment as it’s oft-used formation (which led to me and others labeling that particular scheme as the team’s base defense) only two linebackers will see the majority of playing time. Last season this was Robert Spillane (signed a lucrative free agent pact with the New England Patriots) and Divine Deablo (inked with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent).

The penciled-in favorites to claim the starting roles (if it’s two linebackers) are Elandon Roberts and Germaine Pratt. Both were free agent-additions with Pratt arriving last month after he was cut by the Cincinnati Bengals. But waiting in the wings are fellow veterans Devin White and Jaylon Smith, along with second-year special teamer Amari Gainer and rookie Cody Lindenberg.

Who Wins The Competition At Left Guard?​

The Raiders offensive line will be the lifeblood of the offense and putting together an effective front five is paramount. The one spot that seems to be the most unsettled: Left guard.

In what was initially thought to be a fight between Dylan Parham and Jordan Meredith to claim that starting spot, former ESPN beat writer-turned-Raiders team columnist Paul Gutierrez provided some insight when he wrote about the offense’s success hinges on the guys in the trenches piece on the team’s official website.

“Howze about grizzled vet Kolton Miller at left tackle, Dylan Parham at left guard (with Thayer Munford Jr. nipping at his heels), Powers-Johnson at center, free-agent signee Alex Cappa at right guard and DJ Glaze at right tackle entering training camp?,” Gutierrez wrote.

Biggest improvements in PFF's final 2024 offensive line rankings vs. their new 2025 ranks:

1. Bears (+20, 2024: 24th, 2025: 4th)
T2. Vikings (+11, 18th, 7th)
T2. Chargers (+11, 21st, 10th)
T4. Jets (+8, 17th, 9th)
T4. Raiders (+8, 26th, 18th)

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) July 14, 2025​

It appears the new challenger is Munford and he’s much bigger than Parham — Munford stands 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds to Parham’s 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds. So the former represents a much more heavier presence than the latter.

But it appears all other spots are locked up with free agent-addition Alex Cappa the lead at right guard.

Who’ll Step Up To Claim The Slot Cornerback Spot?​

The early odds-on favorites are veteran cornerback Darnay Holmes (who played in the slot when normal starter Nate Hobbs wasn’t available (Hobbs has since signed with the Green Bay Packers)) and safety Thomas Harper.

But Las Vegas did break out the big nickel formation in OTAs and mandatory minicamp which saw safety Jeremy Chinn in the slot with fellow safeties Isaiah Pola-Mao and Lonnie Johnson Jr. on the back end.

While the big nickel is likely to see its usage this season — Graham has dialed it up before — it’ll be interesting to see which cornerback earns the starting spot in the slot in base nickel formations.

Will There Be Electricity In Return Game?​

Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon hit the nail on the head in his media session back in June: “If you go fast, I can’t teach fast.”

Noting he can correct anything else, the need for speed on special teams harkens on the lack of electricity in return units. Las Vegas did add some serious speed in the 2025 draft on both sides of the ball but it’s rookie Tommy Mellott who has a lot of intrigue.

Good example of Tommy Mellott's breakaway speed #Raiders pic.twitter.com/rDRTwsuJXt

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 12, 2025​

The Montana State quarterback is switching to wide receiver in the pros and while that has it’s own difficulties to navigate, it’s Mellot’s explosiveness that needs to be exploited as soon as possible. He can hit top speed quickly and has elusiveness to boot.

Will 2025 be the season the Raiders see a resurgence in the return game?

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...iders-2025-training-camp-pete-carroll-preview

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Coleman, Kelly or Seymour for DT on 2000s All-Quarter Century Team?

Richard Seymour | Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

A few strong options here

The defense is starting to take shape on the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders 2000s All-Quarter Century Team as the first defensive tackle spot is up for grabs in today’s poll.

The Raiders have a decent history on the interior defensive line, as Warren Sapp and nose tackles Justin Ellis and Johnathan Hankins were also considered. But only three players made the final cut, so the nominees are: Roderick Coleman, Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour.

Like defensive end and wide receiver, we’ll be doing two defensive tackle polls, including this one. So, the two losers here will get a second chance to earn a spot on the All-Quarter Century Team.

Roderick Coleman​

Roderick Coleman

Raiders Stats (2000-2003): 156 tackles, 40 TFLs, 28.5 sacks (4 seasons, 57 games)

Accolades: none

Coleman had an interesting tenure with the Silver and Black. He was a fifth-round pick in 1999 but barely saw the field as a rookie, and he only made 21 starts in four years during the 2000s. However, Coleman had impressive production during his time in Oakland, eclipsing double-digit sacks (11) and TFLs (13) as a rotational player in ‘02. As a result, he ranks 23rd in franchise history for sacks and fifth in TFLs*. The defensive tackle was also a part of three playoff teams from 2000 to 2002, adding 3.5 sacks and six TFLs in seven games with two starts during the postseason.

Tommy Kelly​

Tommy Kelly

Raiders Stats: 423 tackles, 34.5 sacks, 45 TFLs (9 seasons, 129 games)

Accolades: none

Like many other players featured in the All-2000s series, Kelly falls into the category of being a good player on a lot of bad teams. While he never played in a playoff game for the Raiders, he trails only Maxx Crosby and Khalil Mack for the most TFLs* in franchise history, making Kelly the leader among defensive tackles. Additionally, he ranks 18th in sacks. The 2004 undrafted free agent is one of the Silver and Black’s best players from a dark period for the organization.

Richard Seymour​

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Richard Seymour

Raiders Stats: 139 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 27 TFLs (4 seasons, 53 games)

Accolades: 2x Pro Bowler (2010, 2011), Second-Team All-Pro (2011), Pro Football Hall of Fame

Teammates with Kelly from 2009 to 2012, Seymour was also a good player on a lot of bad teams. The former Patriot spent the majority of his career and had his best years in New England, playing with the Raiders at the end of his tenure in the NFL. But Seymour was a fantastic leader and had several productive seasons in Oakland, ranking tied for 12th for the most TFLs* in franchise history. Additionally, he is part of Tom Brady’s investment group and became one of the organization’s minority owners last year, while also serving as an advisor and ambassador for the Raiders.

*TFLs didn’t become an official NFL statistic until 1999.

---

So, which defensive lineman are you going with for the first defensive tackle spot on the Raiders’ 2000s All-Quarter Century Team?

Vote in the poll below and sound off in the comments section with your reasoning. If you don’t have a commenting account already, you’ll need to create one but the steps are pretty easy and it’s a seamless process. Also, we have full-time moderators to enforce the Community Guidelines. Sign up and go to the comments section.

Who should be the 1st DT on the 2000s All-Quarter Century Team?

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-roderick-coleman-tommy-kelly-richard-seymour

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders free agency: Where do safeties stack up?

Jeremy Chinn | Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images

There is some change at the position

The Las Vegas Raiders have had some change at safety this offseason.

Let’s take a look where the position stands two weeks into free agency:

New free agent added:

Jeremy Chinn (Washington Commanders), Lonnie Johnson (Carolina Panthers), Jamal Adams (street free agent).

Free agent who departed:

Tre’von Moehrig (Carolina), Marcus Epps (New England Patriots).

Current free agents:

None.

Free agent who re-signed:

Isaiah Pola-Mao (He was given a two-year contract extension as a restricted free agent).

Returners:

Pola-Mao, Thomas Harper, Trey Taylor, Chris Smith.

Draft:

The Raiders could use some more depth, and they could look at safety later in the draft, probably on Day 3 when they have six picks, including three choices in the sixth round.

Conclusion:

The Raiders began last season with Moehrig and Epps as their starters. They were happy with them, but Epps was lost for the season in Week 3 and Pola-Mao took over. They are now excited about moving forward with Chinn and Pola-Mao as the starting safeties. These two players need to stay healthy and the youngsters behind them need to develop quickly in case they are needed. Adams has dealt with injuries, but his former Seattle coach, Pete Carroll, will give him a chance to make the roster.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/27/24388010/raiders-free-agency-safeties-jeremey-chinn