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[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders 2025: Jaylon Smith latest veteran flier in reshaped linebacker room

Veteran linebacker Jaylon Smith was a Las Vegas Raider back in 2023. After a tryout, the Notre Dame product is once again in Silver & Black. | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Las Vegas bolsters experience in a group that has Elandon Roberts, Devin White as top two options

Out with the old and in with the ... old?

That’s said in jest, but on the surface, that’s the gist of the Las Vegas Raiders inking veteran linebacker Jaylon Smith to a contract this past Monday. The Silver & Black’s linebacker room was light on experience with veterans Elandon Roberts and Devin White as the current frontrunners at the position group.

The 29-year-old Smith adds another linebacker who has a bevy of games and starts and it’s a return to the desert as the Notre Dame product played for the Raiders back in 2023 (one game, two total tackles). That season was the last Smith played in the league, but after a tryout this past weekend, Las Vegas saw enough to like and signed the second round pick (34th overall by the Dallas Cowboys) of the 2016 draft to an undisclosed deal (presumably a one-year pact at the veteran minimum).

Smith’s addition to the roster was part of a flurry of maneuvers the Raiders made this week. In comes Smith and others and out go Amari Burney and Brandon Smith in Las Vegas’ reshaped linebacker room.

#Raiders officially signed Jaylon Smith while parting ways with LB Amari Burney, DT Matthew Butler, and WRs Tyreik McAllister and Kristian Wilkerson. pic.twitter.com/rSojW3hkqA

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) May 12, 2025​

Current Crop​

With the additions of Smith and undrafted free agent Wesley Steiner, the linebacker room in Las Vegas is currently at nine. Smith joins fellow veterans Roberts and White to for a group that has seven (Smith and White) and 10 years (Roberts) worth of NFL experience.

The overall group is a solid mix of age and experience with youth:

Raiders Linebackers

• Elandon Roberts, 31 years old, 10th season
• Devin White, 27, 7th season
• Jaylon Smith, 29, 7th season
• Tommy Eichenberg, 24, 2nd season
• Amari Gainer, 24, 2nd season
• Cody Lindenberg, 23, rookie
• Jailin Walker, 22, rookie
• Matt Jones, 24, rookie
• Wesley Steiner, 23, rookie

Veteran Affairs​

Roberts is the heavy favorite to be the starting middle linebacker for Patrick Graham’s Raiders defense at this juncture of the offseason. The 30-year-old had strong 2022 and 2023 campaigns (over 100 total tackles with seven combined sacks) before a 46-tackle 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 5-foot-11 and 235-pound veteran is the type of thumping defender that can help shore up the Raiders run defense with his instincts, quickness, and aggression.

Nice instincts here from Elandon Roberts to not fall for the eye candy and recognize counter trap to make the tackle from the backside #Raiders pic.twitter.com/VuwGhVfz9K

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 19, 2025​

Head coach Pete Carroll has preached competition since his hiring and an open fight for starting spots and snaps should bring out the best of everyone on the Raiders roster. After all, don’t bring your A-game and shine, you’re likely to get washed out.

Expect White and Smith to push Roberts at middle linebacker while putting forth challenges to claim the other starting linebacker spot. Both are looking to resurrect once productive and promising careers and have potential to be Raiders resurrection project success stories.

White is coming off the least productive season of his NFL career in 2024 that saw him play in seven games (one start) with the Houston Texans. he finished with 19 total tackles on 176 defensive snaps. During his first four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers White was a do-it-all type who could tackle, rush the passer, and be a nuisance in pass coverage. Raiders general manager John Spytek is all too familiar with White as he was in Tampa’s player personnel department that made the linebacker the fifth overall pick int he 2019 NFL Draft.

Smith last played in 2023 in Las Vegas. Before that, he was an 11-game starter for the New York Giants racking up 88 total tackles, one sack, and three tackles for loss. After four strong seasons in Dallas, Smith played for three teams in 2021 garnering four starts and 38 total tackles and a sack. Smith was a tackling machine who could also rush during his four seasons in Dallas. And if he remains healthy, can be a sure-tackling option at the position.

Youth Movement​

Looking at the linebacker list above and you can see a divide from veteran experience to youthful talent: Two second-year players and four rookies.

Tommy Eichenberg (taken in fifth round (148th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft) and Amari Gainer (undrafted free agent) are both 24 years old and cut their teeth in Tom McMahon’s special teams unit during their rookie season last year. Gainer had more snaps on special teams (380) with Eichenberg close behind (313).

That duo has a pro experience edge over their younger contemporaries.

Las Vegas Raiders x LBU

Great work today with Las Vegas Raiders LBs Amari Gainer and Tommy Eichenberg! @AmariGainer

WE ARE LBU!

Helmet: @vicispro
Visor: @ShocVisors pic.twitter.com/NhdRP8EDiM

— Linebackers University™ (@Linebackers_U) May 3, 2025​

The Raiders took Cody Lindenberg in the seventh round (222nd overall) of the 2025 draft out of Minnesota, while the trio of Jailin Walker, Matt Jones, and Wesley Steiner were added post draft.

An open competition for roles can certainly open the door for the younger crop to make a run at the veterans ahead of them. And with their youth, the younger six are likely to have more energy and gusto to do work on McMahon’s special teams units compared to the older veterans.

Just how many linebackers see the field regularly on defense remains to be seen, however, Graham has traditionally used a 4-2-5 nickel alignment as his base defense and that means two starting linebackers with a third rotating in when needed. Carroll, however, has traditionally preferred a base 4-3 alignment that uses 3-4 elements such as the hybrid defensive end-linebacker that mans the LEO spot.

If the base changes to a three linebacker-alignment, then that’ll provide another starting spot and more snaps for a third defender.

Nonetheless, the presence of hungry young players in the linebacker room will push everyone to put their best foot forward.

Of Note: The Raiders linebacker room is a group with good size. Roberts and Steiner are the shortest of the group at 5-foot-11, while Gainer is the tallest at 6-foot-3. Smith, Eichenberg, Lindenberg and Jones are 6-foot-2 and in the 230-pound and above range.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/17/24430203/raiders-2025-defense-jaylon-smith-linebacker

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders roster: Undrafted free agent cornerbacks face steep climb

Kansas cornerback Mello Dotson, seen here returning an interception for a touchdown against Lindenwood, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft. | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Mello Dotson, Greedy Vance, John Humphrey have grueling challenge to make Las Vegas’ roster

With a group of 10 in the room, the Las Vegas Raiders’ cornerback room is tied with the defensive tackle spot with the most players vying for roster spots this offseason.

This isn’t surprising, of course.

The cornerback position went through an offseason flux that saw 2024 starters Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs no longer in Silver & Black.

Jones, a perimeter defender that started 16 of 17 games last season (69 total tackles, three interceptions, 16 passes defensed), remains on the free agent market after being released. Hobbs meanwhile, a slot corner that started seven of 11 games he played in 2024 (49 total tackles, one interception, five passes defensed), inked a free agent deal with the Green Bay Packers.

Of the 10 cornerbacks currently on the roster, five are new faces in Las Vegas. One is a veteran free agent addition (Eric Stokes), one is a third-round pick (68th overall; Darien Porter) in the 2025 NFL Draft, and there’s a trio of undrafted free agents (UDFAs; Mello Dotson, Greedy Vance, and John Humphrey). This five will compete with five incumbents trying to earn roster spots and snaps under head coach Pete Carroll and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

The Newest Las Vegas Raider - Kansas defensive back Mello Dotson pic.twitter.com/zIk8pVIqe5

— Landon Reinhardt (@landonian87) April 27, 2025​

Let’s focus on the trio of UDFAs. While each had productive collegiate careers and bring talent, they each face a steep uphill climb to become Raiders.

• Mello Dotson, Kansas, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds. 2024 season: 49 total tackles, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), seven passes defensed.
• Greedy Vance, USC, 5-foot-9, 182 pounds. 2024 season: 29 total tackles, one interception, two passes defensed.
• John Humphrey, USC, 6-foot-2, 193 pounds. 2024 season: 23 total tackles, one interception, three passes defensed.

A ballhawk for the Jayhawks, Dotson turned four of his 12 interceptions into end zone visits during his four years as a starter in Kansas. He has good size at 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds and boasts 31 1⁄2 inch arms.

But why did Dotson end up undrafted?

He clocked in a 4.59 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine and on tape, his lack of long speed is apparent. When plays are in front of him, Dotson is quick to pull the trigger, takes impressive angles, and is a supreme nuisance. But when plays end up past the first level, Dotson’s lack of athleticism shows up big time. He’s got ample skillset for a zone cover man but if he’s got to trail or man up on a receiver, Dotson can struggle. And now he’ll go up against NFL speed.

Perhaps, with his instincts and play making ability on the first level, he can transition into a slot defender. Although, he was a perimeter/boundary corner in college. Still, Hobbs was a pure outside corner who transitioned into a solid slot defender.

For good reason

His name’s Greedy and he backed it up with this—the game-sealing INT vs. Nebraska for @uscfb.

The Power 5 journeyman (Louisville Florida State USC) is now getting his shot with the #Raiders as a UDFA ‍ #RaiderNation https://t.co/CRJbMBhZtz pic.twitter.com/AjodUwPSRt

— Taylor Rocha (@TaylorRochaTV) May 11, 2025​

Vance, at a shade under 5-foot-10 and a light 182 pounds, profiles more as a nickel defender. He did earn snaps inside at USC in 2024 and brings the requisite aggressiveness and willingness. His biggest play as a Trojan was his lone interception of the season to seal the game for USC against Nebraska.

Yet, Vance will undoubtedly need to add more bulk to his frame and his 4.65 40 time at USC’s pro day leaves plenty to be desired, too.

Humphrey, meanwhile, also played for USC in 2024 after starting his collegiate career at UCLA. A taller corner at 6-foot-2 and 193 pounds, Humphrey has 33 1⁄4 inch arms, which definitely suits the Carroll-preferred measurements he wants from cornerbacks.

Humphrey clocked in a faster 40 time at the Trojans’ pro day (4.56) but there’s a glut of outside cornerbacks in Las Vegas while the team is light on nickel/slot defenders.

As mentioned above, Dotson, Vance, and Humphrey are part of a group of 10 that’ll vie for snaps on defense and special teams.

Porter, who was drafted compared to his undrafted counterparts, is nearly 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, brings old-school Raiders pure speed to his game. The Iowa State product fits all the Carroll requirements and has explosive speed to boot.

Quick take on NFL Live on one of my favorite mid round picks: Iowa State CB Darien Porter > Raiders pic.twitter.com/NpGatHyMV2

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) April 28, 2025​

There’s also incumbents Jakorian Bennett, Decamerion Richardson, and Sam Webb looking to earn snaps while veteran addition Eric Stokes is going to do the same as boundary corners.

At slot, incumbent Darnay Holmes is likely going to be first man up while second-year safety Thomas Harper is slated to dabble at nickel corner and safety.

Carroll has stated often the Raiders will have open competition this offseason and a true fight for roster spots and snaps should bring out the best of everyone on the roster. It also means, despite draft status or veteran status, everyone has a chance to knock each other out of roster contention.

While it’s a steep uphill climb for the trio of UDFA cornerbacks the grueling path towards a Raiders roster spot will make them better. The defensive depth chart may be difficult to crack, but there’s always opportunities on special teams under coach Tom McMahon.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/18/24430317/raiders-2025-defense-mello-dotson-cornerback

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Can you guess this Raiders lineman in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Raiders player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey Raiders fans! We’re back for another day of the Silver & Black Pride in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in the Google Form.

Today’s Silver & Black Pride in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Saturday, May 17, 2025
Friday, May 16, 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Silver and Black Pride in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Raiders player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/18/24432537/sb-nation-raiders-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders history: Fan look kindly on Derek Carr days

Derek Carr | Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Retired quarterback has a lot of fans here

We all know that Derek Carr was one of the most polarizing players in the history of the Raiders’ franchise.

But if our recent poll is any indication, it seems now that his playing days are over, Raiders fans mostly feel good about the quarterback. Shortly after Carr, who spent the past two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, retired, we asked Raiders fans their thoughts on him.

After mostly being split on Carr during most of his nine seasons as the Raiders’ quarterback, the tone has changed. In a poll with nearly 700 votes cast, a whopping 79 percent of the voters said they look at Carr as a great Raider, while just 21 percent aren’t buying it.

Carr was drafted by the then-Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft (No. 36 overall). He became the team’s starter as a rookie and kept that job until he was suddenly benched in 2022 by first-year coach Josh McDaniels in Week 17 with the Raiders still (barely) in playoff contention. He was cut early in the offseason and signed with the Saints.

In the end, Carr is the team’s all-time leader in passing yardage with 35,222 yards and it seems, he’s walked away from the game with support from the Raider Nation.

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

nastynation
Memorable throws and plays pre 2016 injury. Made a lot of off name receivers a lot of money. Carried as face of the franchise through Davis's coaching carousel. Put off by his on-field body language and pressers. Honorable career but see ya later.
It'll be nice to invite him to watch us play Superbowl LIX.
oakrad32
DC was a great Raider. He didn't win a ton of games and was probably an upper middle class QB, skill wise. But he was super loyal to the organization, never talked down about the multiple coaching and OC changes he went through. Never bad mouthed the ineptitude of the organization and the ability to build a decent team. He just did his job to the best of his ability, which is far better then most players today. His loyalty was rewarded with a ridiculous kicking out at the end. Mark Davis showed zero class there for a very loyal player. The Raiders need to right that now with some type of recognition for DC.
Raidwin
Lol. Its funny how much comments say that the Raiders didn't do right by Carr during his time here. Really? Didn't Carr get two contracts with the Raiders? I wonder how Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper, Josh Jacobs, Rodney Hudson, and Gabe Jackson feels about that?. Carr had 9 years of an extremely long leash. Sorry he wasn't given a lifetime contract. Smh​

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/19/24431054/raiders-history-derek-carr-quarterback

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Film room: Miller, a technically sound athletic passer

Cam Miller | Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Diving into the sixth-round pick’s game

It took until the sixth round and the 217th pick for the Las Vegas Raiders to take a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, but the Raiders found a good one in North Dakota State’s Cam Miller.

Miller was dominant against FCS-level competition last season, completing 72.9 percent of his passes for 3,251 yards and 33 touchdowns to just four interceptions, earning an elite 90.8 passing grade from Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he ran for another 734 yards and 12 scores to earn a 77.8 PFF grade as a runner.

The former Bison combines good mechanics to be a technically sound passer and impressive athleticism to make plays with his legs, worthy of a deeper look into his game and seeing what he can bring to the Raiders’ quarterback room.

I like how Cam Miller's feet are tied to his eyes as he works thru progressions, also has nice timing to be tight coverage for the 3rd down conversion #Raiders pic.twitter.com/R8TwlOXlm4

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 15, 2025​

This first clip is a simple five-yard gain, but the process is impressive from Miller. What stands out the most about his mechanics is that his feet are consistently tied to his eyes as he works his progressions. The end zone view above does a great job of showing that.

So, while nothing is open on the front side of the play and Miller works to the final read, his front foot is pointed at the target to help deliver an accurate throw as the pocket collapses and the pressure starts to come.

On top of that, he throws with great timing by letting the ball go before the receiver is out of the break and beats tight coverage for the third-down conversion.

I like how Cam Miller's feet are tied to his eyes as he works thru progressions, also has nice timing to be tight coverage for the 3rd down conversion #Raiders pic.twitter.com/R8TwlOXlm4

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 15, 2025​

Building on that, the North Dakota State product is good at reading the field and throws with anticipation.

South Dakota State is showing a two-high coverage pre-snap here, but the safety at the top of the screen rolls to the middle of the field for the Cover 1, or single-high man coverage look, post-snap. Once Miller sees the safety rotation, he knows he has a one-on-one matchup on the single-receiver side of the formation.

Watch when he lets the ball go. The wideout is still even with the cornerback, but Miller throws with anticipation, trusting that his guy can win. On top of that, he drops the ball in the bucket to beat tight coverage and create an explosive play to put the offense in scoring position.

Miller doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he’s consistently on time with his throws to occasionally hit on these deep shots and force defenses to honor them.

Cam Miller with good timing to hit the window in zone coverage, and takes a shot in the pocket right after the throw #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/X1luwtPYRJ

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 15, 2025​

We’ll get another example of the quarterback’s great timing as he hits a window in zone coverage.

Colorado is playing Cover 3, which means the dig route is open if Miller can fit the ball between the curl-to-flat (No. 24) and hook-to-curl (No. 43) defenders. Especially with No. 24 playing a little shallow in his zone, Miller makes the correct read and throws the ball right as the receiver gets into his break to beat the coverage.

Additionally, he’s facing pressure and takes a big hit right after letting it rip, showing off some toughness in the pocket. Even more impressively, this came late in the game with the Bison down five during their two-minute drive to add an element of clutch to this rep.

Great read and throw to beat zone coverage from Cam Miller #Raiders pic.twitter.com/7eUC6bEV8c

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 15, 2025​

This next clip is similar to the last one in that Miller makes a good read and throw to beat zone coverage.

The Buffaloes are in Cover 2 while the Bison have the tight end run a drag route and the receiver at the bottom of the screen outside release to widen the corner and create space on the post route. With the tight end occupying the linebacker in the middle of the field, the safety playing deep and the corner widened, the quarterback knows the post route will be open.

So, Miller lets it rip and hits the receiver to turn second and long into a first down in the red zone.

Vs a man coverage blitz w/ no one in the middle of the field, Cam Miller tucks it and runs from 20 yards out for a TD #Raiders pic.twitter.com/HuvIXxUb9z

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 15, 2025​

As mentioned above, the former Bison can also make plays with his feet. But what’s impressive about him in this area is that he isn’t someone who just takes off and runs; he’s more calculated with these opportunities.

Colorado blitzes from a Cover 1 look, meaning they’re in man coverage and the middle of the field is wide open. The secondary does a good job, as all of the primary receivers are covered. Also, the blitz is effective with the quarterback getting flushed out of the pocket.

Now, an argument could be made that Miller should check the ball down to the tight end since the tight end is open in the flat. However, since the defense is in man coverage and the defensive backs are following their receivers to the other side of the field, Miller pulls the ball down and runs. He has enough speed to go untouched for the 20-yard score.

That’s a smart decision paired with the athleticism to capitalize.

Nice job by Cam Miller to set up the RB's block, and shows some to the outside for a 25-yard gain. Gets up after a big hit, too #Raiders pic.twitter.com/75Wepc7n5T

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 15, 2025​

We’ll wrap up with a designed quarterback run as North Dakota State runs lead zone.

Miller does a good job of setting up the running back/lead blocker’s block by stemming inside or attacking downhill initially. That gets the defender to attack the back with inside leverage and opens up the outside rushing line. Then, the quarterback shows decent burst to bounce outside a create a 25-yard gain on the ground.

On top of that, he takes a big hit on the sideline, drawing a flag and showing some toughness by getting up and not missing the next play.

Overall, Miller will likely be a career backup, which is perfectly fine for a sixth-round pick. As mentioned above, he doesn’t have a strong arm for NFL standards to constantly push the ball down the field, and he lacks NFL size at just under 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds.

However, the North Dakota State product has plenty of traits to be a reliable passer in an emergency and has the rushing skills to be a good fit in Chip Kelly’s offense. Especially with the former, it’s easy to see why Tom Brady likes Miller.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-cam-miller-north-dakota-state-film-breakdown

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Schedule: 5 most intriguing games, Carroll & Harbaugh rivalry renewed

Jim Harbaugh, Pete Carroll

Looking at the best storylines on the 2025 schedule heading into the season.

Now that the 2025 NFL Schedule is out, there’s even more excitement surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders’ upcoming season. Not only do we know when and where the Raiders are playing, but we also know how many primetime matchups the team will have. While each game has a storyline, some stand out more than most.

Below are Las Vegas’ most intriguing games heading into the campaign, listed in no particular order.

Week 2 vs. Chargers (MNF)​

Between this being the home-opener, a divisional matchup and on Monday Night Football, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about this early-season contest against the Chargers. Adding to that, both head coaches have a long history with each other, going back to their days as college coaches.

The rivalry between Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh runs so deep that it began during the 2007 campaign in a conference that doesn’t exist anymore, the Pac-10, when Carroll led the USC Trojans and Jim Harbaugh was the head man for the Stanford Cardinal. Then, the battles between the two moved to the pros, where they squared off in the NFC West with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014.

However, the rivalry has been dormant for the last decade, with Harbaugh returning to the college ranks at Michigan and Carroll taking last season off. That changes on primetime in Week 2 as the coaches square off for another battle.

Week 15 @ Eagles​

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Maxx Crosby, Jalen Hurts 2021

If the Raiders are playoff contenders this season, a late-season road matchup against the defending Champs will be a good litmus test to see how ready they are for the postseason. This will likely be a tough matchup for the Silver and Black, but it will also be an opportunity to prove themselves and send a message to the rest of the league.

Week 10 @ Broncos (TNF)​

On a similar note, this matchup in Denver sets up to be a turning point in Las Vegas’ season. It’s in the middle of the schedule against a division rival that figures to be in the playoff mix after making the tournament last year. Also, it’s another primetime matchup against the Broncos, which usually results in some fireworks, and the Raiders will have to overcome playing a road game on a short week.

Week 11 vs. Cowboys (MNF)​

To no surprise, all three of the Silver and Black’s primetime contests are featured here. While the Raiders and Cowboys don’t face each other often, they typically make for some exciting and drama-filled games. Surely everyone remembers the infamous index card game in 2017, and the 2021 matchup was a 36-33 overtime thriller on Thanksgiving.

That’s just the last two contests, as the organizations have played each other in the regular season 13 times since 1974. The Raiders lead the all-time series 7-6, and 11 of the 13 games have been decided by one possession, per StatMuse.

Week 18 vs. Chiefs​

Another AFC West matchup, as all three divisional opponents are listed here. The reason this game was chosen over the Week 7 contest in Kansas City is that it wouldn’t be surprising if both clubs have something to play for. The Chiefs’ reign of dominance over the rest of the conference feels like it’s coming to a close.

They went 11-0 in one-score games during the regular season and beat the Bills by a possession in the playoffs to go to the Super Bowl. Typically, that isn’t sustainable season-to-season, and Kansas City’s offense showed plenty of signs of slowing down in 2024. Meanwhile, the rest of the division and the AFC are on the rise, including the Raiders, so there could be a lot on the line during the final regular-season game.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...st-intriguing-games-pete-carroll-jim-harbaugh

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders 2025: Tommy Mellott, Tre Tucker can ignite return game

Rookie Tommy Mellott was an elusive ball carrier during his collegiate career at Montana State. The quarterback is slated to convert to wide receiver with the Las Vegas Raiders. | Photo by Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Pair of explosive wide receivers provide a jolt; an early look at other potential return specialists

The naked eye could see the Las Vegas Raiders lack of speed at wide receiver. You didn’t need to be a football junkie to notice.

General manager John Spytek and his player personnel department saw the same. And this offseason, the Raiders new chief personnel man went about remedying that issue.

Along with head coach Pete Carroll, Spytek and the Silver & Black went back to the team’s roots of “scare you to death” speed and bolstered the roster with fleet-footed players and prospects that legendary owner Al Davis would’ve enjoyed.

Las Vegas added explosive elements to the wide receiver room and that should translate into more electricity in the Raiders’ return game. Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon needs a jolt to his unit and the addition of Montana State’s Tommy Mellot in the sixth round (213th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft gives Las Vegas a burner who can contribute in multiple areas.

A first look at 6th-round pick Tommy Mellott in Silver & Black.@MSUBobcats_FB's dual-threat QB is listed at WR with the #Raiders #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/akNnGwMVVz

— Taylor Rocha (@TaylorRochaTV) May 9, 2025​

“I wouldn’t pigeonhole him right now,” Raiders college scouting director Brandon Yeargan said about Mellott during the team’s post-draft press conference. “I would say we view him as a receiver that’s going to have a lot of value in the kicking game, potentially as a returner, as a cover player, maybe play some quarterback, too. We’re looking (at him) really as an athlete/receiver, but he’s a unique guy.”

Mellott’s workout during Montana State’s pro day was eye-opening. Measuring in at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, the quarterback-turned-wide receiver clocked in a 4.39 40-yard dash along with an impressive 41-inch vertical and 10-feet, 4-inch broad jump. As a runner (3,523 rushing yards at Montana State), Mellott showcased instant acceleration, long speed, and elusiveness that made him a terror in FCS ball.

A return specialist doesn’t necessarily have to be the fastest player on the field, but it’s that combined elusiveness and vision Mellott showcased during his collegiate career that can be a difference maker in the pros. The ability to slither through traffic and make people miss is just as impactful as pure speed. And if Mellott can translate that from his Montana State to Las Vegas, the Raiders — particularly McMahon — have a weapon on special teams.

While the comparisons to former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman are apt — a college quarterback who converted into a wide receiver and had a long and productive NFL career — for Mellott, development at the next level has him potentially seeing a career path carved by former Raider Ronald Curry. An athletic North Carolina quarterback taken in the seventh round of the 2002 draft by Davis, Curry became a reliable receiver in Year 3 in Oakland.

Tre Tucker with a go ahead Kickoff Return TD pic.twitter.com/p8Xzwo7JYK

— Random College Football Plays (@PlaysCollege) July 3, 2024​

Mellot’s presence in the wide receiver room along with drafting Tennessee’s Dont’e Thornton Jr. in the fourth round of the draft not only bolsters the pure-speed aspect of the position group in Las Vegas, but it can open up opportunities to use Tre Tucker more on special teams.

Tucker, who served as WR2 in his second year in the league, was the lone fleet-footed wideout for the Raiders last season. He’s shorter at 5-foot-9 but isn’t light at a muscular 185 pounds, and saw statistical improvement from rookie season to Year 2 (47 catches for 539 yards and three touchdowns on 81 targets in 17 games played).

With Mellott and Thornton (an imposing 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds with 4.30-flat speed) in the mix now, Las Vegas has more than one speedster. The much needed redundancy should allow the Raiders to dabble Tucker more on the special teams side of things (he has eight punt returns in his career, all coming in 2024).

As seen above, Tucker was a productive kick returner during his collegiate career with the Cincinnati Bearcats (67 total returns for 1,670 yard and two touchdowns from 2019-22).

Kyle Phillips is a dog pic.twitter.com/ZUQw4tVfiW

— Barstool UCLA (@StoolWestwood) August 21, 2022​

Other Potentials​

Dylan Laube, running back. The second-year tailback returned six kicks in 2024 for 164 yards (a long of 59) his rookie year. Expect the sixth-round choice (208th overall) to get opportunities to become a special teams mainstay as the running back room was bolstered with the selection of Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty sixth overall in the 2025 draft.

Chris Collier, running back. The late season flier add returned two kicks for 65 yards (long of 39) in 2024 for Las Vegas. The undrafted free agent’s career thus far is relegated to special teams and it’s likely to remain that way.

Kyle Phillips, wide receiver. The fifth-round pick (163rd overall) of the 2022 draft, Phillips as UCLA’s return man and dabbled in it with the Tennessee Titans (nine punt returns for 85 yards, long of 46). He’s a shifty receiver with 4.58 speed.

Key’shawn Smith, wide receiver. The undrafted free agent was an impact kick returner for Miami in 2022 (21 returns for 640 yards and a touchdown) but trailed off as his collegiate career went to SMU. He’s a longshot who could open eyes as a return man.

Shedrick Jackson, wide receiver. This is purely based on wideout’s 4.25 40 at Maryland’s pro day. Jackson didn’t field a punt or return a kick in his college career. And as a roster longshot, he’ll need to impress anyway he can, like on special teams.

Dont’e Thornton, wide receiver. He didn’t play much on special teams in college, but to maximize his roster chances, special teams work in Las Vegas is a must. He’s got the speed and acceleration to make an impact, and it’d be interesting to see a massive return man.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/20/24430373/raiders-2025-tommy-mellot-special-teams

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

News: Wilkins not participating in OTAs

Christian Wilkins | Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Defensive tackle is recovering from a foot injury

The Las Vegas Raiders held their second OTA session on Wednesday, May 21, and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was present but wasn’t participating in the practice. Defensive end Malcolm Koonce also didn't practice, which is expected as Koonce is recovering from a torn ACL that prematurely ended his season last year and is still rehabbing the knee.

According to The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, Wilkins didn’t have a helmet and wasn’t participating in the Raiders’ drills and did the same thing on Monday, the first OTA session in Las Vegas.

#Raiders DT Christian Wilkins is at practice but doesn't have a helmet and isn't participating in drills. He did the same thing Monday, per source.

— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) May 21, 2025​

The veteran defensive tackle, who signed a four-year, $110 million contract in free agency during the 2024 offseason, is recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot that limited him to just five games last season. Recently, it was rumored that Wilkins suffered a setback in his recovery.

“His injured foot was placed in a walking boot, but he was out of it by the end of the season,” Reed wrote on May 19. “Then, earlier this offseason, his foot was placed back in a boot, according to team sources. He was back out of the boot during OTA workouts recently, but the back-and-forth has raised questions about his recovery process. The Raiders have stayed quiet about Wilkins. Whether he’s at practice or not — and what he’s able to do if he’s there — will provide more clarity.”

Given that he’s sat out of the team’s first two practices this week, it would appear that Wilkins did suffer a setback. Also, head coach Pete Carroll weighed in on the injury and said (h/t ESPN’s Ryan McFadden): “He’s not ready to get back out. And we’re in the midst of a long, challenging process. So fortunately, there’s a lot of time.”

With Wilkins sitting out, Adam Butler, Jonah Laulu, Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegeus will get extra reps this spring.

Butler is an eight-year pro who made 16 starts (17 games) a year ago and re-signed to a three-year, $16.5 million contract in free agency. He filled in for Wilkins last season and will be expected to do the same if Wilkins misses more time.

Laulu enters his second year in the league and with the club after getting claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers. He played in all 17 games, making seven starts and recording 35 tackles with one sack. Meanwhile, Hemingway was a fourth-round pick out of South Carolina in last month’s draft, and Pegues was a sixth-rounder out of Ole Miss.

The three young defensive tackles stand to benefit the most from the extra reps created by Wilkins not participating in OTAs.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...rs-news-christian-wilkins-malcolm-koonce-otas

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders roster: Fight for backup QB role to bring out best from the group

Aidan O’Connell (12) has been thrown into the fray over the course of his two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s likely the backup quarterback but will need to on point to hold on to the QB2 role. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Aidan O’Connell the frontrunner to be QB2 behind starter Geno Smith

With Geno Smith as the unquestioned starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, one of the biggest needs the Silver & Black had going into the inaugural tenure of general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll is remedied.

Las Vegas handing Smith a two-year contract extension with a max value of $85.5 million ($66.5 million guaranteed) showcases the commitment the team is making to their new QB1. While Carroll preaches open competition this summer for his Raiders, it’s difficult to see any signal caller displacing Smith as the starter.

And that’s a good thing.

For too long, the Silver & Black have stumbled mightily at the all-important position and heading into 2025 under a new regime, there won’t be a fugazi competition between two middling options who profile best as backups rather than long-term starters (see the 2024 quarterback battle that resulted in the former head coach regretting the outcome).

That said, let’s take a look at the depth behind Smith — specifically, who is QB2?

The #Raiders have gone 12-25 and started six QBs since Derek Carr’s last snap for Las Vegas: Jarrett Stidham, Aidan O'Connell, Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer, Gardner Minshew, Desmond Ridder.

Geno Smith will be the seventh and seeing #7 in action hits different pic.twitter.com/80z90OJmkS

— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) May 1, 2025​

Third-year pro Aidan O’Connell is the favorite to backup Smith this coming season and potentially beyond. The 26-year-old (27 on September 1) has 1,068 snaps under his belt with 20 career touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 62.6 completion percentage in two seasons with the Raiders.

Playing in 20 games with 17 starts, the fourth-round pick (135th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft is the favorite to be the backup to Smith this coming season. O’Connell was part of the draft rumor mill with The Athletic postulating the third-year quarterback could be moved on draft weekend.

Ultimately, that wasn’t the case and O’Connell — who has two years remaining on his rookie contract (unrestricted free agent in 2027) — is one of four signal callers currently on the roster.

The hierarchy this offseason reads: Smith, O’Connell, Carter Bradley, and Cam Miller. The last name on the list was the lone addition the Raiders made to the quarterback room this offseason as Miller was selected in the sixth round (215th overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft. (Interestingly enough, Las Vegas selected Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott with the 213th pick, but he’s converting to wide receiver).

Standing 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, O’Connell has the pro experience edge over both Bradley and Miller, making him the favorite to be the backup quarterback at this juncture of the offseason. While his athletic profile makes for a stark contrast to Smith — I’ve dubbed O’Connell as Cement Shoes for his overall lack of scrambling ability — the difference between the two signal callers is a good test of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s ability to adjust his scheme.

Where the starter and expected backup are similar though is both have accurate arms that can drive the football.

RAIDERS 58-YARD TOUCHDOWN TO TAKE THE LEAD #LVvsKC on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/9FuqYBmXNG

— NFL (@NFL) November 29, 2024​

While it’s difficult to foresee either Bradley or Miller overtaking O’Connell this coming season, an open competition can certainly bring forth change. Carroll is all too familiar with this during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll brought int two veteran options to the quarterback room in 2012 only for third-round pick Russell Wilson to prove as the best option amongst the group. And that altered the quarterback room.

O’Connell’s competition for the QB2 role are an undrafted free agent (Bradley) and late-round pick (Miller).

At 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds, Bradley (son of defensive coach Gus Bradley), has a fundamental understanding of the game but doesn’t do anything standout that merited him getting drafted heading into the 2024 draft. The 25-year-old profiles best as a QB3/emergency option who is a long-term development type.

Miller, who stands 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, was an ultra-productive FCS quarterback at North Dakota state finishing his five-year career with 81 touchdowns to 19 interceptions (9,721 yards) with a career 69-percent completion rate along with 48 rushing touchdowns (2,227 yards).

Miller — the youngest quarterback on the roster at 23 years old — is likely to duke it out with Bradley (age 25) for the QB3 role and is likely a season away from making a run at O’Connell. Oddly enough, Miller profiles similar to his fellow North Dakota State Bison alum Easton Stick (drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019 and currently with the Atlanta Falcons).

Shrine Bowl

One step closer to the NFL for Cam Miller. pic.twitter.com/f3AfQu4nlQ

— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) January 31, 2025​

But in an open competition, stranger things have happened.

Miller and O’Connell are similar in a sense that both have very quick releases and the ball comes off their hand swiftly. Both can make touch throws at ever level of the football field and have enough arm drive to go deep.

The inherent difference is ability to punish teams with their legs.

While O’Connell ran a faster 40-yard dash time at Purdue’s pro day (4.70) compared to Miller’s (4.82 at North Dakota State’s pro day), the latter is more willing and elusive (painfully so at times) compared to the former. O’Connell has enough movement skills to evade pressure but his longest run of his career is a 13-yard scamper.

Perhaps that’ll eventually be the deciding factor between the two quarterbacks down the road.

Either way, the fight for the backup role will bring out the best of the quarterback room and identify the straggler(s) who will either get cut or end up on the practice squad, potentially. Because of this, expect the open competition to result in a fluctuating roster as the Raiders embark on the offseason towards the final 53-man roster.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/21/24430385/raiders-2025-aidan-oconnell-quarterback

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Film room: Joyner’s pass-rush skills could earn roster spot

Jah Joyner | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Diving into one of the Raiders’ most notable UDFAs

The Las Vegas Raiders have drawn some praise recently for signing defensive end Jah Joyner as an undrafted free agent. Many, myself included, thought the former Minnesota Golden Gopher would get selected in the late rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, largely due to his impressive 2023 campaign.

Two years ago, Joyner logged 7.5 sacks and ranked second among Big 10 edge rushers with 46 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus. The latter was especially impressive considering he out-produced Nic Scourton (second round), JT Tuimoloau (second round) and Jack Sawyer (fourth round), all of whom were selected in last month’s draft.

Despite rushing the passer 31 more times this past season, Joyner’s production dipped to just 4.5 sacks and 31 pressures, to help explain why he slipped through the cracks. However, he still showed a handful of quality pass rush moves and the ability to tie moves together, giving the undrafted free agent a chance to make the Raiders’ roster this summer.

Solid hand-swipe from Jah Joyner to win around the edge and get a QB hit #Raiders pic.twitter.com/ubtyJYHkKT

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 22, 2025​

We’ll start with a solid hand-swipe move to win around the edge. He does benefit from some bad tackle play to create a short edge, but Joyner sets the move up well by stemming inside with his first step to get the tackle to stop his feet. Then, Joyner knocks the tackle’s outside hand down to “beat the hands, beat the man” and get the quarterback hit.

To be slightly critical of the Minnesota product, he has below-average bend and that’s the difference between this rep being a QB hit and a sack. Notice how when he beats the tackle around the edge, he takes a rounded angle instead of a straight line (or as close to it as possible) to the quarterback.

That leads to a less efficient path and gives more time to throw the ball. It might only be a half-second, but it can be the difference between the pass reaching the target and a negative play for the offense.

Jah Joyner has a nice inside spin move as a counter #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/YAS5oSZVHt

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 22, 2025​

This time, we’ll get a couple of examples of inside spin moves that Joyner likes to use as a counter.

In the first one, he tries to win with the hand-swipe seen above, but isn’t able to clear the offensive tackle’s hands. So, he counters by feeling the tackle leaning on him and spinning inside to get the win.

Joyner tries a rip move to beat the offensive lineman outside in the second rep. However, that doesn’t work either, so he goes back to the inside spin move and does a great job of using his right arm/elbow as an “icepick” to escape and put the lineman on the ground. Granted, nothing comes of this rep since the quarterback got the ball out quickly.

What stands out about both of these inside spin moves is that the former Gopher rushes with a plan, trying one move and working another if the initial doesn’t work. Also, he has a feel for when he’s reached the top of the rush or point of no return to work back toward the quarterback instead of continuing to rush up the field.

Those things might seem simple, but they can be difficult for some players to string together and shows some savviness as a pass-rusher.

Jah Joyner turns speed to power and gets the BP #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/oPXoF6IqT8

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 22, 2025​

Joyner has also shown the ability to turn speed to power as a pass-rusher, and the clip above is a good example. He sells the vertical rush by working up the field with his first two steps before pivoting inside. Then, he has good hand placement on the right tackle’s chest and good leverage by getting his helmet underneath the tackle’s.

That allows the former Golden Gopher to get extension, uncoil his hips and prevent the tackle from dropping the anchor, collapsing the pocket on the quarterback. Finally, Joyner caps the rep off by getting his hand up and batting the pass at the line of scrimmage. For reference, PFF credited him with three batted passes last season.

I like how Jah Joyner engages the LT with the bull rush and wins around the edge with a rip move #Raiders pic.twitter.com/hHDcYnn1Hv

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 22, 2025​

Building off the previous section, Joyner uses his ability to win with power to set up a move around the edge here. He engages the left tackle with the bull rush, which gets the tackle to open his hips and lean too far forward. That creates a shorter edge on the outside, setting up the pass-rusher’s rip move.

So, Joyner successfully got the tackle to take the bait with the power move and won around the edge with a bull-to-rip combo move, preventing the quarterback from getting a clean pass off.

Jah Joyner with a nice stab and swipe move #Raiders pic.twitter.com/cFbDcGagtm

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 22, 2025​

This next clip is almost identical to the last one, where the undrafted free agent initially rushes with power to set up an outside move and win around the edge. The biggest difference is he starts with a one-arm stab, then goes to swipe the left tackle’s outside hand (a.k.a. a ‘stab and swipe’ move) and finishes off the rep with a rip move.

Obviously, the ball is out of the quarterback’s hand quickly, so nothing comes of this rep. But it is another example of how Joyner ties his pass-rush moves together, which will pay off later on longer-developing play calls.

Jay Joyner does a great job of tying his pass-rush moves together. Watch how he shows the one-arm stab initially and then takes it away to win around the edge with a rip move #Raiders pic.twitter.com/30loCuerrf

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 22, 2025​

Finally, this last rep might be the best example of Joyner using his tendencies against offensive tackles. Initially, he throws the one-arm stab move seen in the previous clip. But pay close attention to when he starts to engage with the right tackle.

Joyner actually takes his arm away, which gets the offensive tackle off-balance because the tackle is anticipating the stab move. Then, the edge-rusher quickly transitions to a rip move and wins around the edge, forcing the quarterback to move in the pocket and check the ball down.

Overall, the Minnesota product’s run defense needs a lot of work for him to become a complete player and boost his case to make the roster. He plays too high and often exposes his chest against the run, making it difficult to hold his gap. Also, Joyner is more of an above-average athlete than a good one, earning a 6.87 RAS with his NFL Combine numbers.

But the undrafted rookie does have some veteran savviness to him as a pass-rusher that could help his cause this summer. Don’t be surprised if he stands out during the preseason, especially going against younger offensive tackles.

Defenses can never have too many pass-rushers, and the Raiders could use someone to turn to off the bench or in case of an emergency, giving Joyner a chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster with a strong showing in training camp.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ner-udfa-film-breakdown-minnesota-pass-rusher

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders film breakdown: Darien Porter and Ashton Jeanty as a receiver

Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images

New film breakdown of two Las Vegas Raiders rookies Ashton Jeanty and Darien Porter

The Las Vegas Raiders are participating in OTAs to build chemistry for the 2025 season. It will be the first time the Silver and Black will come together for live practice and help implement the offensive and defensive systems.

A few rookies who could pay early on are Darien Porter and Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty, of course, will be the lead running back for the year and should have a massive impact on the offense. Porter is an older draft prospect who switched to corner from wide receiver last season. He excelled last season, giving up a completion percentage of 29%. Mix that with his athleticism, and he becomes a player who could become Tyreek Hill for the Raiders' secondary.

The Tape Don’t Lie crew did a deep dive on both players, checking out Porter in press coverage and Jeanty's receiving skills. Watch the video below and share your thoughts on both players in the comments.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...rs-film-breakdown-ashton-jeanty-darien-porter

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders offensive line: Jackson Powers-Johnson takes command at pivot

Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) took ownership of the center position of the Las Vegas Raiders offensive line as a rookie last season. The second-year star is slated to man the pivot this coming year. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

2nd-year talent is literal center of attention in Las Vegas’ trenches

Sometimes, you’ve got to take what you want. No sitting on one’s laurels and taking things as they come — carpe diem. Seize the day.

That’s not an easy thing to do for a rookie in the NFL.

But for the Las Vegas Raiders neophyte Jackson Powers-Johnson, taking command wasn’t just the proper thing to do, it was the only thing to do. The University of Oregon product’s — the Raiders second-round pick (44th overall) n the 2024 NFL Draft ability and willingness to step forward and forge his own path at the pivot and claim the job as his improved the Silver & Black’s offensive line.

“I went up to AP (then-head coach Antonio Pierce) and I was like ‘Coach, respectfully, like I’m gonna (expletive) play center. I won the (Dave) Rimington (Award), like I can I can do this and like I don’t care what you say. I’m gonna go play center,’” Powers-Johnson told teammate Maxx Crosby on The Rush Podcast earlier this week. “That’s kind of the first time I took ownership and he was kind of like surprised he’s like “All right (expletive) it, go.”

Apparently, there’s nothing lame about this particular breed of Duck.

With former starting pivot Andre James no longer with the Raiders — he was released and since signed with AFC West division rival Los Angeles Chargers — Powers-Johnson is at the center of attention on Las Vegas offensive line.

Episode 56 of The Rush: Jackson Powers-Johnson️

- JPJ on Geno Smith
- Who are the “nastiest” Offensive Lineman
- Playing with a chip on his shoulder

And so much more! pic.twitter.com/MgUZlvRrmI

— The Rush Podcast (@TheRushWithMaxx) May 20, 2025​

And to think, the 2023 Dave Rimington Trophy recipient — bestowed to the most outstanding center in Division I football — wasn’t even considered to be an option at the pivot by the former coaching staff speaks to the volume of incompetence the Raiders navigated in a tumultuous 2024 season that plain as day showed the warts of having a first-time full-time head coach at the helm.

“ I was a pretty good guard but like I think of myself as a like a damn good center,” Powers-Johnson expanded on Crosby’s podcast. “Like I’m gonna be a little cocky for a little bit like I think of I feel like I’m a damn good center. like I did my (expletive) in college. I won the Rimington and all that kind of fun stuff and doing guard definitely made me appreciate me playing center because I wasn’t really even supposed to play center.

“Like this is kind of a funny story that I’ve told a couple people but we’re playing the Chiefs — I think it’s the first time ... week I don’t know what week we’re in, I think it was like week five or six — and Andre (James) ended up going down. And they were going to put someone in else in at center who hadn’t gotten snaps all week at it and I was just I was irate — I was pissed. So, they’re trying to find someone to like start those snap to the to Gardner at the time.”

That’s culminated in Powers-Johnson, a rookie mind you, emphatically telling his head coach (also a full-time rookie head honcho) what was going to happen. Even though Pierce surrounded himself with a wealth of experience with a coaching staff that included veteran coaches like Marvin Lewis and Joe Philbin (who remains on the current staff under new head coach Pete Carroll), dire mistakes scuttled AP’s one-and-done tenure. Either the coaches around Pierce wanted him to experience the growing pains or he didn’t listen, either way, it’s a brand new regime.

Jackson Powers-Johnson just wants to run free

(via @therushpod) pic.twitter.com/Sx28K45lq2

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) May 20, 2025​

Powers-Johnson isn’t interested in looking back as he’s all ahead forward, as the rest of the Raiders are under Carroll and Co. Las Vegas center is all about doing what the team needs from him. But he’s got vice grips around the starting pivot gig and he isn’t going to go quietly into the night if this new staff and regime have different plans.

“You know, I’ll do what the team needs me to do but I’m gonna make it a hard decision about me playing center or guard,” Powers-Johnson noted.

The shift back inside to center not only elevated Las Vegas’ offensive line play, but it exponentially increased Powers-Johnson’s own belief.

“And then that’s when I kind of got confidence and you know I started having like a lot of fun in games because I was just kind of back in the saddle.”

In fact, Powers-Johnson had quite the telling introduction to Las Vegas’ top pick in the 2025 draft — Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, taken with the sixth overall pick — at the team’s facility in early May.

WHOLESOME: #Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson introduces himself to rookie RB Ashton Jeanty, who arrived at the team facility.

“I’m Jackson, your center”

( : @Raiders)
pic.twitter.com/8mXMgJHsdU

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 9, 2025​

Attitude Adjustment​

Powers-Johnson freely notes he wants to be seen as an aggressive and violent linemen. Las Vegas’ center is indeed a bruiser. But it wasn’t he physical acclimation that was the most taxing as he transition from Oregon Ducks brand of football to Las Vegas Raiders variant of the game.

“I think it’s for me it was mental. I mean like you got to know way more cuz in college like they can’t give you as much of the picture because like you got to go to sociology class you know,” Powers-Johnson said. “In the NFL they give you everything and it’s more mental. Being able to see things in a new different language like getting into the NFL is a new language like in college we were just like ‘Okay point to front side guy.’ That was it now it’s like ‘Okay we got rotation and we’re going to point the mic in this certain rotate.’”

The 22-year-old even provided insight on the differences in preparation in college compared to the pros.

“I think the players in college are better — not better as in more talented — but playing harder,” Powers-Johnson noted. “Every single player you play in college they did a fourth quarter pro program, they did as just as much as work as you. In the NFL some of the older guys like don’t go to OTAS some of the other guys have taken longer times and you can kind of see it.

“But on the flip side of that you play some guys where it’s just like: “Oh, Oh! This is why you’re getting paid $200 million dollars. This is why you’re valued at so much so I think it it definitely is the mental transition.”

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...rs-2025-jackson-powers-johnson-offensive-line

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Mailbag: If Wilkins misses games, what does DT rotation look like?

Christian Wilkins | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Answering Raider Nation’s questions for the week

OTAs are underway for the Las Vegas Raiders, and the biggest news this week is that defensive tackle Christian Wilkins isn’t participating in practice after suffering a setback in his recovery from the foot injury that prematurely ended his season. So, that and the offseason are the primary focuses of this week’s mailbag.

Q: How do you think the injury to Wilkins will change his season? Will he play at all?

A: The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore reported that Wilkins will likely be back by August despite the recent setback. The situation could change between now and then, but as of right now, it’s looking like he’ll be good to go by the start of the season and shouldn’t miss any games.

As for how the injury will impact the defensive tackle’s season, I’m not terribly concerned with him missing unpadded practices in May. Yes, it would be ideal for him to be out there, but he’s a veteran who has played at a high level and was good last year before suffering the Jones fracture in his foot.

Where I would start to get worried is if Wilkins has to miss time during training camp. It’s hard to get into football shape without practicing with pads on, which is what training camp is for with an experienced player of his caliber. If that happens, it could cause him to get off to a slow start, and we’d likely see the Raiders rotate Wilkins out of games more frequently and rely on their depth at defensive tackle to begin the campaign.

Q: Should Wilkins miss significant time, how do you see snap share breaking down for the interior DL? If both rookies are impressive in camp and preseason, who is your favorite to fill the role if necessary?

A: If that happens, hypothetically, Adam Butler will have an increased role and be a starter, similar to how he was used last year when Wilkins went down. Also, Zach Carter’s odds of making the team will get a significant boost since Carter is a decent run defender at the 3- to 4i-technique spot.

Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images
Adam Butler

Additionally, I’d be interested to see how Jonah Laulu develops this year. Consistency was an issue for Laulu during his rookie season, but he had several quality reps in both phases of the game and made seven starts to provide some optimism for his outlook.

Admittedly, I’m a little biased when it comes to the rookies. I liked JJ Pegues more than Tonka Hemingway heading into the draft, so Pegues would be my pick to be the starter if it comes down to those two. He’s the better run defender, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Hemingway is used a little more as an end. That said, they could complement each other well since the latter is a decent pass-rusher, where Pegues takes the early downs and Hemingway subs in during passing situations.

Q: Do you think the Raiders will make any more moves before the season starts?

A: I guess I’ll use this as my weekly opportunity to pound the table for Las Vegas to sign Mike Hilton as a starting nickel cornerback option! Also, the front office should look into adding Julian Blackmon, since he has experience playing free safety and will only be 27 years old this season.

Whether or not the Raiders will actually make a move, we could see them sign someone once OTAs and minicamp are over. That gives the coaching staff and front office a handful of practices to evaluate the roster and have a better grasp of where the team’s holes are and how big said holes are. Plus, there will be a few contracts that are easier to get out of once June 1 passes.

However, I’m not expecting to see any significant changes to the roster before training camp. My sense is that John Spytek and Pete Carroll are confident in the guys they have and will roll with them into the season.

Q: It would appear that outside of guard, the Raiders’ offense starters are set. How many positions on defense are in flux?

A: Outside of Jeremy Chinn at one of the starting safety spots, the entire second and third levels of the defense are in flux. Granted, Jakorian Bennett is a heavy favorite to be the unit’s top cornerback. But even he has something to prove to the new coaching staff, considering he’s only played in 24 career games with 11 starts.

Isaiah Pola-Mao will likely be the free safety, but he’ll have to fend off Thomas Harper, who also could factor into the void at slot corner. Meanwhile, Eric Stokes, Darien Porter and Decamerion Richardson will battle for the other starting spot on the boundary at cornerback.

Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images
Isaiah Pola-Mao

At linebacker, Elandon Roberts and Devin White should enter training camp as the starters, but that’s a wide-open position group where you could convince me just about any backer on the roster could earn a first-string role.

Long story short, pretty much every position group except for the defense line. And if Wilkins’ injury does linger and cause him to miss time, then add defensive tackle to the list.

Q: Can you predict the cornerback room depth chart as of today and after the bye week?

A: Today: Bennett, Stokes and Darnay Holmes (NB). I’m a big fan of Porter’s potential and think he could easily become a Week 1 starter, but the coaching staff will likely lean on the more experienced players at the beginning of training camp. The same logic applies with Holmes at nickel.

After the bye week: Bennett, Porter and Harper (NB). The more I watch Porter, the more I like the guy’s game. He’ll start at some point this season, it’s just a matter of when. Harper covered the slot a lot in college, and with the inside corners on the roster, I get the feeling Patrick Graham will use a lot of three-safety looks. That would put Chinn, Pola-Mao and Haprer on the field at the same time.

Q: As it stands right now, what, if anything, have the Raiders done or not done this offseason that’s been a head scratcher?

A: I was surprised that they let Tre’von Moehrig, Robert Spillane and Nate Hobbs all walk. Retaining all three was unlikely, but I figured at least one would get re-signed. Moehrig, Spillane and Hobbs all got lucrative contracts, but Las Vegas had a lot of cap space this offseason to make it interesting why they didn’t bring one of them back, in my opinion. On top of that, Spytek and Carroll were relatively inactive in free agency.

Draft-wise, it was a little head-scratching that the Raiders didn’t prioritize defensive players, especially with their early picks. However, I do like their draft haul overall.

Q: With the roster and coaching to date, do you think the Raiders have a greater than 50/50 chance of getting out of the AFC West cellar this season? It’s a talented division, and getting out of last place would be a sign of better things to come.

A: In my way-too-early record prediction, I have the Raiders going 9-8 but 1-5 in the division. The AFC West is so tough that it’s possible every team finishes above .500, and a good team misses out on the playoffs since they have to play each other six times. So, it’s definitely going to be an uphill battle to get out of last place.

Unfortunately, that comes with the territory of playing in a division with three reigning playoff clubs, including one that has been to the last three Super Bowls.

Q: Has Chip Kelly used two-tight end lineups in the past? If not, do you expect that Michael Mayer will be featured in the preseason to build up his trade value?

A: Kelly used two tight ends a lot during his time in the pros with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. I dove deeper into this topic in the related article below.

Q: Will Chip Kelly be using the no-QB (wildcat) formations in any of his plays this season now that he has Ashton Jeanty at running back?

A: Kelly hasn’t used wildcat formations much in the past because he typically has a mobile quarterback. Geno Smith isn’t super mobile, but he can run again every once in a while, and the video below shows him working on a few speed options with Jeanty.

Kelly is known for being a creative and forward-thinking offensive coordinator, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he mixes in a few wildcat plays as a wrinkle this season.

Chip Kelly implementing the speed option with Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty

Geno was the fastest player on the Seahawks last season, would love to see Chip utilize his play making abilities pic.twitter.com/PhxTNpXsKP

— ShifftttyyyQB1 ‍ (@raiders1022) May 22, 2025​

FlagstaffRaiderFan
Any word on why 2nd round WR Jack Bech hasn’t signed yet?​

A: I don’t have any information on that, but I wouldn’t worry about it much at this stage. The amount of guaranteed money can get tricky with second-round picks and can often be a holdup in negotiations. For example, only the first two second-rounders (Carson Schwesinger and Jayden Higgins) have signed their rookie contracts, according to Spotrac.

When more players who were drafted ahead of Jack Bech in the second round start signing their deals, he’ll likely sign his shortly thereafter. Teams are in a holding pattern right now, waiting to see how much guaranteed money other second-rounders are getting to set a precedent. It’s kind of a “who’s going to flinch first” situation.

DaysofOld
Matt,
Looking at rookie, OTA’s and training camp will there be enough time to evaluate and rank all our new crop of players if not what are some of the ways we can protect them from being poached? I recall the time we snagged Darren Waller off the Ravens practice squad and luckily for us we benefited greatly. Btw, I hope for some more of that good fortune…​

A: The NFL lets teams protect four practice-squad players every week, which is the best way to keep them from getting poached. The only other way is if a preseason and/or training camp standout suffers an injury and gets placed on injured reserve, but they have to have a legitimate injury for that to happen.

Besides that, keeping players on the 53-man roster is the only way to prevent them from getting poached. That said, it is a good sign if other clubs are interested in players who aren’t good enough to make the Raiders’ roster. That means the team has plenty of talent and the scouting staff is doing a good job.

---

That’ll do it for this week’s mailbag. Thank you all for submitting questions and, as your weekly reminder, if you’d like to have your questions answered in a future column, tweet them at me, @MHolder95, email them to [email protected] or look for our weekly call for questions on the site. The latter will continue to publish on Thursdays. Sign up and go to the comments section.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...christian-wilkins-defensive-tackles-offseason

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders defensive line: Adam Butler’s presence inside amplified

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler, seen here celebrating his sack against the Kansas City Chiefs last November, is leading the pack at the position group in Christian Wilkins’ absence. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Veteran defensive tackle inked new contract this offseason and leads the pack in Christian Wilkins’ absence

A veteran mentor who is as good at guiding younger talent as he is productive, Adam Butler’s inking a new deal to stay with the Las Vegas Raiders seemed inevitable this offseason.

Setting career highs in numerous categories in 2024, the 31-year-old defensive tackle inked a three-year pact valued at $16.5 million with $8 million fully guaranteed and $11 million in total guarantees. Not bad for an undrafted free agent who took a hiatus the 2022 season, inked a future/reserve contract with the Raiders and has become a mainstay on the defensive line.

Butler’s cap number in 2025 is a cool $3.983-plus million with a jump to over $6.5 million next season. Considering the on-field production and leadership he showed, the Raiders are highly likely to see a return on their investment. Especially considering Butler’s presence is amplified in the absence of elite counterpart Christian Wilkins.

By The Numbers:
Adam Butler, Defensive Tackle

• 2024: 17 games (16 starts), 65 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble
• Career (2017-24): 114 games (29 starts), 206 total tackles, 38 tackles for loss, 27 sacks, 19 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles

Talked to a few people regarding the setback with @Raiders DT Christian Wilkins. It essentially comes down to the screw breaking or (in the rare case) he rebroke the bone. In either case, the feeling is that he should be ready by August. (Obviously, we'll see)

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) May 22, 2025​

As the above post from The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vinny Bosignore notes, Wilkins should be back by August but the high-priced defensive tackle hasn’t been an active participate in OTAs. Still recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot — Wilkins had surgery in October — Las Vegas is taking a cautious approach when it comes to their $110-million man.

“This has been a difficult recovery,” Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said about Wilkins during the new lead man’s media session after OTAs this past Wednesday. “He’s done everything he needs to do. He’s been here every day. He’s here early working hard, but we’re still working on it. He’s not ready to get back out (there). We’re in the midst of a long, challenging process here. Fortunately, there’s a lot of time. … He’s been onboard the whole time, but it has been challenging.”

An August timeframe for return does leave plenty of time. And as our Matt Holder noted in his Raiders Mailbag piece, the concern of Wilkins’ absence arrives if the defender misses valuable training camp time.

“As for how the injury will impact the defensive tackle’s season, I’m not terribly concerned with him missing unpadded practices in May,” Holder wrote. “Yes, it would be ideal for him to be out there, but he’s a veteran who has played at a high level and was good last year before suffering the Jones fracture in his foot.

“Where I would start to get worried is if Wilkins has to miss time during training camp. It’s hard to get into football shape without practicing with pads on, which is what training camp is for with an experienced player of his caliber. If that happens, it could cause him to get off to a slow start, and we’d likely see the Raiders rotate Wilkins out of games more frequently and rely on their depth at defensive tackle to begin the campaign.”

Sources: The #Raiders are keeping one of their own, as they’ve agreed to terms with standout DT Adam Butler.

After a career year, Butler gets a 3-year deal worth $16.5M with $11M in guarantees to stay in Las Vegas, one negotiated by @CJLaBoy of @Wasserman. pic.twitter.com/he3AUl2gA4

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2025​

This is where Butler’s well-deserved raise and continued presence on the Raiders defensive line comes into play once more.

Entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt with the New England Patriots, the 6-foot-5 and 300-pound defender was a rotational piece up until the 2024 season. Playing in the majority of games in his career, he only netted 13 career starts in that span and he had zero starts in his first season in Silver & Black in 2023.

Despite that, however, Butler is a disruptive presence with the snaps he’s earned.

Before inking as a flier signing after not playing in 2022, Butler racked up 17 sacks with 22 tackles for loss in four seasons with New England a solo year with the Miami Dolphins in 2021. His first season in Las Vegas saw Butler net five sacks and eight tackles for loss in 17 games.

And in 2024, Butler’s career highs were ever present. Those highs were: Games started (16), total tackles (65), quarterback hits (10), pressures (15), and snaps (858). Butler picked up the pace after Wilkins went down after just five games. And the veteran defensive tackle helped take second-year defensive end Tyree Wilson under his wing.

This offseason, Butler — along with Wilkins — can serve as lead-by-example types to rookie defensive tackles Tonka Hemingway, JJ Pegues, Tank Booker, Laki Tasi, Treven Ma’ae, and second-year talent Jonah Laulu.

Butler and Wilkins are also joined by veteran Leki Fotu, who is likely going to led the charge at nose tackle as he stands 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds as a six-year vet (26 years old).

Heavyweight hustle

Get to know new defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 26, 2025​

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/25/24435221/raiders-2025-adam-butler-defensive-tackle

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders 2025: Dont’e Thornton Jr. a prototypical throwback

Standing 6-foot-5 with 4.30-flat speed, wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. is a throwback to the prototypical player the Raiders would’ve drafted based soley on size and speed. | Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Rookie wide receiver has the size and speed offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must take advantage of

How does a wide receiver prospect who stands nearly 6-foot-5 and runs a 4.3-flat 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine not get taken until the fourth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft?

When said prospect is viewed as a one-trick pony.

Despite measuring in at 6-foot-4 5/8 inches (nearly 6-foot-5) and 205 pounds and running a blazing 40, Tennessee wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. didn’t hear his name called until Day 3 of the draft. But he went to a team where a prospect of his nature would’ve been a much higher selection in eras past: The Las Vegas Raiders.

By The Numbers:
Don’te Thorton Jr., Wide Receiver, Tennessee

• 2024: 13 games, 26 receptions, 661 yards (25.4 yards per catch average), 6 touchdowns
• Career (2021-24): 47 total games (25 at Oregon, 22 at Tennessee), 65 receptions, 1,426 yards (21.9 yards per catch average, 10 touchdowns; 2 carries, 6 yards, 0 touchdowns

#Raiders got maybe the most explosive outside WR in the entire draft in Dont’e Thornton.

Standout at @ShrineBowl. And at the NFL combine, at 6’5, 205 he ran a 4.30 forty time

List of WRs who were 6’4 or taller and ran a 4.35 or faster at the Combine:
Calvin Johnson
DK… pic.twitter.com/OC0OgantFz

— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 26, 2025​

At his size and speed, Thornton is a prototypical throwback to a point in history where those two attributes were the primary job requirements to sport Silver & Black. So much so that current Raiders owner Mark Davis quipped the selection was the “Al Davis” pick.

“Yeah, Mark joked that was the Al Davis pick of this draft, the height, weight, speed, raw traits, athleticism, speed, and I think it’s just focusing on what he can do and what he can be,” Las Vegas general manager John Spytek said of Thornton during a post draft press conference. “I mean, he’s a 4.3, low 4.3 guy. He’s 6’4”-plus 200-something pounds, big-time five-star recruit, goes to Oregon, then goes to Tennessee. You watch his target tape, I think it’s pretty impressive. And we think he hasn’t hit his ceiling yet. We think he can still refine and improve under our coaches, but he definitely has physical traits that are outstanding.”

While Thornton is viewed as single-skilled specialist coming out of Tennessee, that singular trick is one hell of a bang. He averaged a nation-leading 25.4 yards per catch in his final season for the Volunteers hauling in 26 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns. It was a low-volume but electrifying senior season at Tennessee.

It’s Thornton’s “scare you death” jets that offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must take advantage of — in any shape or way possible.

Go-Go Gadget Speed​

Whether it was your standard fly/go routes or deep posts, Thornton’s instant acceleration and breakaway speed were ever present this past season. The 2024 campaign was a season of career-high marks as Thornton was targeted 34 times with his production all being his collegiate career best.

Thornton spent his first two years as an Oregon Duck before transferring and becoming a Tennessee Volunteer from 2023-24.

As a field stretcher who tests a defense’s athletic ability and discipline, Thornton is the type of receiving option the Raiders sorely missed. He’s a unique blend of freakish physical profile and athleticism that many defensive backs can’t run with. Whether it’s sending him deep, using him on jet sweeps/end arounds, screens or even handing him the rock similar to how speedster Cordarrelle Patterson is used, Las Vegas should get the ball in Thornton’s hands as much as possible to see what he can do.

The Raiders add a high-upside vertical threat on Day 3.

Dont’e Thornton Jr.’s 97.9 percentile IGA Score® reflects the kind of In-Game Athleticism™ that shows up on tape — verified 21.0 mph speed with dynamic stride length.

IGA Score®: 97.9 (97th percentile)

Explosive field… https://t.co/sjWVBDWSfJ pic.twitter.com/KlBi20DWgj

— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) April 26, 2025​

Las Vegas lacked legitimate speed at the wide receiver position with third-year wideout Tre Tucker being the lone burner in the group last season who got consistent play. Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll addressed this by selecting Thornton with the 108th overall pick and also bringing Montana State’s Tommy Mellott with the 213th overall pick in the sixth round.

Mellott, a collegiate quarterback converting to wide receiver, is a lot smaller than his draft classmate at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, but clocked in a 4.39 40-yard dash time at Montana State’s pro day.

Route Refinement​

A really tall James Jett is Thorton’s profile as he enters the NFL. This is due to the wideout’s lack of a true route tree.

He’s a tall receiver and it’s that high-cut nature which pigeon holes his offensive impact. Yes, Kelly and the Raiders should without a doubt test defenses by sending Thornton on the routes he runs well: Fly/Go, deep corners and posts.

But to make Thornton less predictable and more of a complete package, he’ll need to spend time refining his route-running ability with wide receiver’s coach Chris Betty to truly become a versatile option and not a one-trick pony in Kelly’s offense.

The instant acceleration is present on routes where Thornton can use his long legs to stride, but if he is able to develop short-area quickness and get in and out of breaks with little wasted movement, a 6-foot-5 target on slants, comebacks, curls, digs, and out routes is an enticing option for starting quarterback Geno Smith.

Temper Year 1 expectations for Thornton as he’s got plenty to prove in terms of the route tree and beating NFL-caliber press coverage. But if the defense makes a mistake, it’ll be quite costly.

#RaiderNation is going to love WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. He has “prototypical Al Davis pick” written all over him.

Ht: 6’5
Wt: 205lbs
40: 4.30
10 second split: 1.51 (1.5 is elite) pic.twitter.com/ezF6dWyFuH

— Chris Reed (@ChrisReed_NFL) April 26, 2025​

Contested Catches​

That all said, Kelly is likely concocting ways he can use Thornton’s 6-foot-5 frame and speed to be a jump-ball/contested catch nightmare. While the wide receiver’s collegiate production/targets were erratic, the Raiders play caller can take advantage of Thorton’s height and long arms from the jump.

Even when collegiate defensive backs were able to keep up with Thornton downfield, the receiver’s ability to out jump and dominate at the catch point is extremely difficult to defend.

While Thornton will meet pro defenders who are just as fast — if not faster — not many have the physical attributes combined with the mental game to keep up, look back to find the ball, and make a play on it against a very tall target.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/26/24435232/raiders-2025-donte-thornton-wide-receiver

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

News: Cole becomes highest-paid punter with contract extension

AJ Cole | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Three-time Pro Bowler gets a raise heading into the season

The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a contract extension with AJ Cole, making him the highest-paid punter in the NFL. According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Cole’s new contract is for four years and $15 million, with $11 million guaranteed.

raider nation for life !!!!! https://t.co/13tTDLsntl

— AJ Cole (@AJCole90) May 26, 2025​

According to Over The Cap, Michael Dickson of the Seattle Seahawks was previously the league’s highest-paid punter at four years, about $14.7 million.

Cole was entering the final year of a four-year, $12 million deal that he signed in 2021. So, the extension keeps him in the Silver and Black for the foreseeable future. He’s already spent six seasons in Las Vegas, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl bids from 2021 to 2023 and has been a first-team All-Pro twice, in ‘21 and ‘23.

Last season, Cole ranked third with 50.8 yards per punt, fifth with a net average of 43.8 yards and had 27 of his 67 punts land inside the 20-yard line. He also serves as the team’s holder on field goal and PAT attempts.

By extending Cole, the Raiders have locked down one of the most consistent players on the roster and don’t have to worry about adding anyone at the position the coaching staff hopes never sees the field; punter.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/26/24437616/raiders-news-aj-cole-contract-extension

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders 2025: Darien Porter a classic Silver & Black cornerback

At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Darien Porter is another draft pick in the throwback mold for the Raiders. Porter has the size and speed that would’ve fit the old-school Silver & Black bill and adds much-needed size and speed to the cornerback room in Las Vegas. | Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Las Vegas’ 3rd-round pick another size, speed marvel for a team lacking explosiveness

The Las Vegas Raiders seemingly turned back the clock in the 2025 NFL Draft going with some size/speed selections that OGs in Raider Nation are all too familiar with.

This shouldn’t be all that surprising considering the must-have throwback traits that the Silver & Black made priority are similar to new head coach Pete Carroll’s preferred characteristics.

Take cornerback Darien Porter, for example.

At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds with 4.3-flat speed in the 40-yard dash, his athletic profile makes him a classic Silver & Black cornerback. Add in the 33 1/8 inch arms he boasts along with being a wide receiver initially in his first three years at Iowa State, Porter also is a classic Carroll corner.

“We’ve always looked for guys that are fast, long and tall because of the way we coach them,” Carroll said after one of the Raiders OTA sessions this past week.

By The Numbers:
Darien Porter, Cornerback, Iowa State

• 2024: 12 games, 18 total tackles, 2 for loss, 3 interceptions, 2 pass deflections
• Career (2019-24): 36 games at cornerback (27 at wide receiver), 51 total tackles, 2 for loss, 3 interceptions, 6 pass deflections; 1 catch, 0 yards.

9/ Darien Porter — Las Vegas Raiders (Pick 68)

IGA Score®: 95.2 (top 5%)
RAS: 9.99 (top 1%)

Top-end burst and verified in-game speed make him one of the most athletic movers in this draft class.

When explosive athletic traits show up consistently on tape and in… pic.twitter.com/pnV4U7DeTI

— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) April 28, 2025​

Cyclone Comparison​

Porter’s defensive snaps gradually increased during his tenure at Iowa State with 2024 being the most productive. Porter earned 408 defensive snaps and racked up 18 total tackles, three pass deflections and a trio of interceptions. Opposing quarterbacks threw his way 15 times and Porter allowed a meager 26.7 percent completion rate.

With long arms and recovery speed to boot, Porter showcased the ability to shadow receivers and makeup for mistakes due to his fleet feet.

It’s the size, speed, intelligence, and former wide receiver traits that resulted in Porter garnering comparisons to another Carroll cornerback that blossomed under his tutelage: Richard Sherman. Carroll himself hasn’t shied away from the lofty comparison.

“There’s a lot of similarities in the makeup of these two kids,” Carroll said. “Richard’s history is pretty bright, so I have high expectations for how this works out with Darien, and he kind of fits the mold.”

And it’s easy to see.

Both are 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Porter las longer arms compared to Sherman’s 32-inch span, and the former’s 40 time is much faster than the latter’s 4.54 time.

But Sherman parlayed the elite combo of size, length, and speed to become a ballhawk in the Legion of Boom Seattle Seahawks secondary as a fifth-round pick and did so from the jump. Sherman had four interceptions and 17 pass breakups in his rookie year and after three seasons, the Stanford product snared 20 interceptions with 57 pass breakups.

Quite the lofty production if the comparison is to have merit, no?

(Of note: Sherman’s lone year as a cornerback at Stanford was in 2010 and he collected 50 total tackles with four interceptions in 13 games.)

2025 NFL Draft Prospect: Darien Porter

Porter is a 6-year prospect (redshirt) from Iowa State. He played wide receiver during his first 3 seasons before switching to cornerback in 2022.

Pros:
Elite size, length, and speed.
Very smooth. Flips hips with ease.
Standout… pic.twitter.com/tqbFj0JIxz

— Due Champions (@DueChampions) April 21, 2025​

Special Teams Ace​

Porter’s game as a cornerback requires refinement — as it does with any prospect. While he has elite length and straight-line speed, Porter’s footwork needs smoothening as he appears very stiff when attempting to trigger when reading and reacting.

Porter does his best work in zone while his man coverage is adequate. His press needs to be more physical to play bump and run or trail technique and for now, he’s a boundary/perimeter corner who can matchup with bigger targets on the outside.

He’ll need to improve his footwork and hip turns if he were to slide in inside at the slot as his length and size matters little if he’s unable to match his straight-line speed to his short-area quickness.

But where Porter can contribute right away is on special teams. He’s showcased elite gunner production at Iowa State being a legitimate Cyclone with five blocked kicks in total — four punts and one field goal — during his collegiate tenure. His size, speed, and length can make him a terror of a gunner on punt return coverage — something akin to what wideout Mack Hollins provided when he was in Silver & Black. Avoiding the jam and sprinting downfield to either down the ball or limit return chances are going to make elite Raiders punter AJ Cole III that much better.

“I know the special teams coaches are excited too,” Raiders general manager John Spytek said. “They see him as being a good gunner. And I’ve already heard from AJ Cole, too. He’s going to be a lot better this year because he’s got this guy.”

It’ll be a disconcerting development if Porter isn’t a Day 1 special teams ace.

The #Raiders and punter AJ Cole have agreed to a 4-year, $15.8M extension, per @Schultz_Report — making him the highest paid punter in the NFL.

Cole is a two-time First-Team All-Pro & three-time Pro-Bowler. pic.twitter.com/OTpr5rPu6o

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 26, 2025​

Speedy Secondary​

Porter’s addition brings much-needed size and speed to a Raiders cornerback group that gets another fast defender.

Incumbents Jakorian Bennett (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) and Decamerion Richardson (6-foot-2, 188 pounds) clocked 4.30 and 4.34 40-yard dash times at their respective NFL Combine performances. Free agent flier Eric Stokes (6-foot-1, 194 pounds) clocked 4.25 and 4.28 times at the Georgia pro day in 2021.

Don’t be surprised to see any combination of those names getting work at the outside cornerback spots this offseason. The fight for the slot cornerback role merits watching, too.

With Carroll as the new head honcho along with his coaching staff, expect Las Vegas to give everyone an opportunity to showcase their wares and snaps and the roster overall to fluctuate this offseason. General manager John Spytek along with Carroll are trying to build a competitive roster and come 53-man cut down time, there’s likely to be plenty of movement then and in between.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/27/24435237/raiders-2025-darien-porter-cornerback

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Shoes to fill: Best players in franchise history to wear 2025 draft class’ numbers

Ashton Jeanty | Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images

Can the rookies live up to the legacy their numbers carry?

OTAs are underway for the Las Vegas Raiders, which means Ashton Jeanty and the entire 2025 NFL Draft class have silver and black jerseys on with their first numbers as professionals. Since the Raiders don’t retire numbers, some of these rookies have big shoes to fill to live up to the legacy of the players who used to wear the digit.

Granted, the rookies can change their numbers before the start of the regular season and seventh-round pick Cody Lindenberg has already switched from 54 to 55. But for now, we’ll take a look at what legacy each rookie is hoping to uphold with their current threads.

Ashton Jeanty No. 2 — Daniel Carlson​

This one is kind of ironic since Jeanty and Carlson will play together, and the running back recently had to pay a small fortune to get No. 2 from the kicker. There weren’t many options for this number since only seven Raiders have worn it, including the infamous bust JaMarcus Russell, and Carlson sported it the longest with five seasons. So, in a way, the No. 6 overall pick has an opportunity to create his own legacy as the best No. 2 in franchise history...pause.

Jack Bech No. 18 — Louis Murphy ​

Anyone who held onto a Randy Moss jersey over the last 20 years can just swap out the name plate to support Bech as he attempts to get Raider Nation to forget all about Moss’ tenure with the club. The legendary wideout is a Hall of Famer, but that wasn’t because of his two-year run in Oakland.

Meanwhile, Murphy was a solid contributor during some tough years for the franchise (2009 to 2011). He totaled 1,514 yards and seven touchdowns from scrimmage and is remembered fondly by the fanbase. That said, the 2009 fourth-round pick doesn’t have a major legacy with the club, making it attainable for Bech to become the best No. 18 in franchise history.

Darien Porter No. 26 — Van McElroy​

Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Van McElroy

Coincidentally, McElroy was a defensive back who was selected 64th overall (third round) by the Raiders, and Porter was taken just a few draft slots later at 68 (third round). McElroy spent nine seasons with the Raiders (1982 to 1990) and was a ballhawk with 31 career interceptions, including eight in ‘83. He earned two Pro Bowl bids, was a second-team All-Pro once and won a Super Bowl with the Silver and Black, giving the Iowa State product some big shoes to fill.

Caleb Rogers No. 76 — Steve Wisniewski​

To be honest, it’s going to be extremely difficult for Rogers to live up to Wisniewski’s legacy. The latter is one of the best offensive linemen in franchise history, making eight Pro Bowl and All-Pro (two first-team and six second-team) teams during his 13-year career from 1989 to 2001. He also earned a spot on the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team and was an iron man, only missing two games during his career. So, Rogers replacing Robert Gallery as the second-best No. 76 feels a lot more attainable and realistic.

Charles Grant No. 60 — Otis Sistrunk​

Sistrunk was on the opposite side of the trenches from Grant, as the defensive lineman was a sack artist during his seven years in Oakland. He totaled 53 career sacks, cracking double-digits three times, while earning a Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro bid in 1974 and helping the Raiders win their first Super Bowl in franchise history. That’s a strong legacy but still an attianable one for Grant to live up to, he’ll just have to keep pass-rushers away from the quarterback instead.

Dont’e Thornton No. 10 — Seth Roberts​

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Seth Roberts

Jay Schroeder was considered here, but Schroeder only wore No. 10 during his last year with the organization (1992) where he certainly wasn’t at his best. So, that makes way for Roberts, who was solid during his four seasons with the club.

The former undrafted free agent had 158 catches for 1,826 and 13 touchdowns with the Raiders, including a handful of clutch scores to win games. Similar to Thornton’s projection, Roberts was never the offense’s No. 1 receiver, but he filled his role well to be a quality contributor for the Silver and Black. That’s an attainable legacy for the Tennessee product to live up to.

Tonka Hemingway No. 97 — John Parrella​

There weren’t many options with 97 as Mario Edwards Jr. was the other player considered. Parrella was at the tail end of his career when he played in Oakland and had a decent campaign during the team’s Super Bowl run in 2002, collecting 44 total tackles, one sack and four passes defended. However, he only played in five games the following year and was a backup in 2004 before retiring. So, Hemingway has a decent chance to be the franchise’s best player to wear this number.

JJ Pegues No. 92 — Richard Seymour​

Pegues is facing some significant pressure as a defensive tackle to wear No. 92 for the Raiders considering Seymour is now a mintority owner of the club. While the 12-year pro had his best seasons with the New England Patriots, he was a two-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro selection during his four years in Oakland. Seymour managed to rack up 139 tackles, 18.5 sacks and 27 TFL for the Raiders and has a gold jacket hanging in his closet.

Tommy Mellott No. 19 — Cotton Davidson​

Photo by Ron Riesterer/MediaNews Group/Oakland Tribune via Getty Images
Cotton Davidson, Tom Flores

We have to go back to the AFL days to find a notable 19, as Davidson played for the Raiders from 1962 to 1968, retiring two years before the league’s merger was complete. It more normal during the 60s, but his career is interesting since he was a quarterback who played in 58 games for the organization but only made 28 starts. He also contributed as a placekicker and punter. Davidson made an AFL All-Star game and was a two-time AFL Champion with the club, so it will be interesting to see if Mellott, a converted quarterback, can live up to this legacy.

Cam Miller No. 5 — Kerry Collins​

This is another number that doesn’t have many quality options as Divine Deablo and Bruce Gradkowski were the other two former players considered. Collins took over under center in Oakland during the beginning stages of the dark years, 2004 and 2005. He didn’t do much winning as a starter with a 7-21 reocred, but he did have back-to-back 20 touchdown campaigns. Miller projects as more of a backup, but he could create a decent legacy by winning a few big games in emergency situations to surpass Collins.

Cody Lindenberg No. 55 — Matt Millen​

These are some pretty big shoes to fill for the seventh-round pick. While Millen only received one Pro Bowl bid during his nine years with the organization, he won two Super Bowls and embodied the tough, rugged and physical nature of the 80s Raiders. The 1980 second-round pick is widely considered one of the best linebacers in franchise history, creating a big legacy for Lindenberg to live up to.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...rs-2025-nfl-draft-class-numbers-ashton-jeanty

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders schedule 2025: 1 road trip

The Violator | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

What’s your choice to see Raiders play away from home

The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 regular-season has been released.

The Raiders play eight road games this season. Of course, the Raider Nation is famous for supporting the team on the road in droves every season. Here are the team’s roadies this season:

Sept. 7 at New England Patriots, 10 a.m., CBS

Sept. 21 at Washington Commanders, 10 a.m., FOX

Oct. 5 at Indianapolis Colts, 10 a.m., FOX

Oct. 19 at Kansas City Chiefs, 10 a.m., CBS

Nov. 6 at Denver Broncos, 5:15 p.m. Amazon

Nov. 30 at Los Angeles Chargers, 1:25 p.m., CBS

Dec. 14 at Philadelphia Eagles, 10 a.m., FOX

Dec. 21 at Houston Texans, 1:25 p.m., CBS

If you could go to just one game away from Allegiant Stadium this season, which one would it be and why?

Would the reasons be based on opponent, location, weather, something else?

Sign up and go to the comments section.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/28/24431169/raiders-schedule-2025-road-games

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders roster: Where 2024 rookie class stands?

Brock Bowers | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Some 2nd-year players will be battling for spots

Let’s look how the Las Vegas Raiders 2024 rookie class was affected by this offseason’s moves and what to expect from them in 2025:

Brock Bowers:

Well, on the surface, nothing has changed Bowers’ status with this team this offseason and likely that will be the case for the next decade. Bowers is a major focal point of this offense, of course. But while nothing has changed for him at tight end, this offseason has affected him. The additions of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, quarterback Geno Smith and top two draft picks, Ashton Jeanty and Jack Bech, have given more firepower around Bowers. So, that should make his job easily because there will be lot more to account for. Now, in reality, Bowers numbers in 2025 could go down after the No. 13 overall pick had the greatest season by a rookie tight end in NFL history. He was an incredible record breaker. He finished the season with 112 catches for 1,194 yards and no rookie wide receiver ever even had as many catches as Bowers did. Bowers will improve as a player, but because of other options, his numbers could go down. But as long as the victories go up, who cares?

Jackson Powers-Johnson:

The word is Powers-Johnson , who started at center and guard as a second-round pick last season, will be competing with Dylan Parham, Jordan Meredith and Alex Cappa for three jobs —- the two guard spots and the starting center job with all but Cappa in the mix at center. Powers-Johnson will be a starter unless something crazy happens. It will very likely be at center, but the Oregon product is expected to be a centerpiece of the offensive line for the long haul.

D.J. Glaze:

The third-round pick may face some competition very quickly. He had a solid rookie season, but the new regime drafted offensive linemen Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant in the third round. Rogers may be best suited to play guard in the NFL, but he has played tackle. Grant is small-school project who may take time, but many scouts think he has a bright future at tackle. So, Glaze may get a chance to start early in 2025. It will be up to him to show the new staff he is capable of being in their future plans.

Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images
Decamerion Richardson

Decamerion Richardson:

The fourth-round pick will compete for playing time, but he better make strides and adjust to Pete Carroll’s defense quickly. Carroll has brought in his own cornerbacks and Richardson was shaky last season. He could easily be buried if he isn’t careful.

Tommy Eichenberg:

The fifth-round pick from Ohio State played just 80 defensive snaps all season and none in the final eight games of the season as a rookie. His best chance to this year is the Raiders don’t have a lot of depth at linebacker But he need to impress or the new regime will give other young pa, such as seventh-round pick Cody Lindenberg, an opportunity.

Dylan Laube:

The sixth-round pick doesn’t really have to worry about the selection of fellow running back Ashton Jeanty as much as he does about sixth-round pick Tommy Mellott. Like Laube last year, Mellott was picked because he is versatile. The early plan for Mellott is for him to play wide receiver and be part of special teams. That could squeeze out Laube from a roster spot.

Trey Taylor:

Not much was done at safety that should affect Taylor. If he impresses the coaching staff, he should stick. If not, he’s probably going to be waived.

Not on roster

Seventh-round pick, cornerback M.J. Devonshire was cut. He was claimed by the Carolina Panthers.

Undrafted free agents:

Linebacker Amari Gainer, defensive tackle Jonah Laulu, safety Thomas Harper and wide receiver Ramel Keyton. The Raiders did add at defensive tackle, but Laulu, claimed off waivers from Indianapolis, did enough as a rookie to have a chance to stick around. The same goes for Harper. Gainer will be fighting for a spot, but he could stick as a special teamer again. Keyton was released.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/28/24425748/raiders-roster-2024-rookie-class