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[Las Vegas Raiders]

Film room: Could Jarrod Hufford win backup center job?

Jarrod Hufford | Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Undrafted free agent’s pass protection skills could earn him a roster spot

Behind Jackson Powers-Johnson, the Las Vegas Raiders currently have a question mark at backup center. While projected starting guard Dylan Parham can factor into the equation, 2023 undrafted free agent Will Putnam and 2024 undrafted free agent Jarrod Hufford will be battling for a roster spot behind Powers-Johnson on the depth chart.

Hufford is one of the more intriguing UDFAs that the Raiders signed this spring, primarily due to his pass protection skills. He never allowed more than 15 pressures and two sacks in a single season during his four years as a starter, according to Pro Football Focus, while lining up at four different positions.

This past season, the Iowa State product took nearly 1,000 snaps at center (559 in pass protection) and only gave up 13 pressures, with just one being a sack. Also, he’s an impressive athlete who earned an 8.67 RAS at the NFL Combine. That’s worth diving deeper into, so let’s flip on the tape and see what the former Cyclone can bring to Las Vegas.

Nice rep in pass pro from Jarrod Hufford, quick get-off and punch and resets the hands to help drop the anchor #Raiders pic.twitter.com/Turig8VcmB

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 28, 2025​

Hufford’s athleticism stands out the most in pass protection, especially with his get-off. As seen above, he’s quick out of his stance to get to his landmarks and be in a position to stay in front of pass rushers.

On top of that, Hufford has fast hands when throwing his punch, allowing him to make the first significant contact and disrupt defensive linemen’s pass-rush moves. In this clip, it looks like the defensive tackle goes to work a swim move, but the center lands his punch with great timing to prevent the defender from finishing the move.

Finally, the Iowa State product maintains a wide base while dropping his butt and re-setting his hands to anchor as the pass-rusher transitions to a bull rush, giving the quarterback a clean pocket and plenty of time to get a good throw off.

Good eyes in pass pro from Jarrod Hufford to recognize the DL slant and turn his head to find and pick up the other DT #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/bm4WgWjnmG

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 28, 2025​

Additionally, the former Cyclone has good eyes and is smart in pass protection to sniff out or find potential threats.

Here, Kansas runs a simulated pressure where the inside linebacker blitzes, but they only have four pass-rushers since the left outside linebacker drops into coverage. Meanwhile, the two defensive tackles slant to the strong side of the formation, to replace the outside backer on the edge and create an opening in the B-gap for the blitzer to attack.

With the center turning to the offense’s right, the right defensive tackle (No. 92) is hoping to catch the center off guard and win by being a physical pass-rusher. However, Hufford recognizes that the left defensive tackle (No. 58) is working wide and gets his eyes inside to look for work.

That allows him to brace for contact against No. 92 and keep the defender at the line of scrimmage. Granted, the simulated pressure worked as the defense created confusion for the left tackle and ended up getting the sack. But this is a quality rep from our subject/the player we’re concerned about.

Great stunt pickup from Jarrod Hufford to anticipate the DT twist and be physical against the penetrator #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/UQhxlf0sap

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 28, 2025​

Building on the section above, Hufford’s football IQ and eyes in pass protection also help him be effective against line games.

Off the snap, he steps left and engages with the defensive tackle in the strong side A-gap. However, he feels the defender slow down and start to loop around on the defensive tackle twist, so Hufford expects something is up and shifts his eyes to the right. That allows him to anticipate the penetrator coming from the other defensive tackle spot.

As a result, the center can drop his pads and fight fire with fire by being physical with the penetrator instead of getting caught off guard and knocked off-balance or to the ground. Thus, the stunt is effectively picked up, and the quarterback has plenty of time to get the pass off. Well, except for the right tackle getting beat...

Jarrod Hufford benefits from the DE tripping, but this is a great pass off and he's in a perfect position to pick up the looper had the looper stayed on his feet #Raiders pic.twitter.com/1kWtQLDaSE

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 28, 2025​

We’ll see another line game from the defense in the clip above, but it’s a T/E stunt from Cincinnati this time. That means instead of Hufford picking up the penetrator, he’s responsible for passing the penetrator off and taking on the looper.

Now, he does benefit from the defensive end tripping as the end loops around his teammate. But, regardless, Hufford does a good job of recognizing the defense’s play call to pass off the nose tackle to the right guard and right tackle, and then being in a perfect position to take on the looper had the looper stayed on his feet.

Nice block by Jarrod Hufford to wash the DT wide and past the hash #Raiders pic.twitter.com/kuH8StTrW0

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 28, 2025​

To be honest, Hufford isn’t impressive as a run blocker. The highest PFF run-blocking grade he earned as a starter was a slightly above average 64.4 mark last season, and he doesn’t have the strength to be an ass-kicker in the running game at the next level.

However, he can be effective on zone runs with his ability to push defensive linemen where they want to go, and the clip above is a perfect example of what’s meant by that.

Iowa State calls inside zone to the defense’s right, and the defense responds by having the defensive line work wide to the right. So, Hufford uses the defensive tackle’s momentum against him by pushing him where he wants to go and washing the defender outside or past the hash mark.

Jarrod Hufford with a great reach block vs a 2i-technique #Raiders pic.twitter.com/0gRK7cONzf

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 28, 2025​

Additionally, the former Cyclone’s athleticism helps him be an effective reach blocker on outside zone concepts. While technically the play above is a pin-and-pull concept, every offensive lineman except for the left tackle is blocking as if it’s an outside zone run, including the center.

Hufford has a tough responsibility here as he’s responsible for reaching a 2i-technique defensive tackle, meaning he needs to get outside positioning post-snap on a defender who has a pre-snap advantage with a wider alignment. However, the offensive lineman’s initial quickness and agility erase the defender’s advantage as he’s able to flip his hips and seal the defender inside.

Overall, like any undrafted free agent, Hufford faces an uphill battle to make the Raiders’ roster during training camp. But if he can prove to be reliable in pass protection and just good enough to get by in the running game, the second-string center job could be the Iowa State product’s in September.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...od-hufford-undrafted-free-agent-backup-center

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Submit your mailbag questions!

AJ Cole | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Fielding Raider Nation’s questions during OTAs

Summer is quickly approaching, which means we’re about to hit a lull in the NFL schedule as the biggest news surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders is a contract extension for a punter. That said, AJ Cole certainly deserves a raise, and OTAs are currently going on to add some fuel for this week’s mailbag.

Also, feel free to hit me with any offseason questions. As always, anything Raiders-related is on the table and fire away with anything that’s on your mind. Send your questions my way by either dropping a comment in the comments section below, tweeting at me (@MHolder95) or via email at [email protected]. I’ll follow up with another column in the coming days.

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

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/29/24439011/raiders-mailbag-otas-aj-cole-offseason

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Film room: Dotson’s ball skills give him roster potential

Mello Dotson | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Kansas cornerback has a knack for making plays

Former Kansas cornerback Mello Dotson is one of the more notable undrafted free agents the Las Vegas Raiders signed, primarily because of his impressive ball skills.

Dotson managed to come down with 12 interceptions over the last four seasons, including leading the Big 12 with five interceptions last year. Also, he converted four of those picks into touchdowns and added another 18 pass breakups, per Pro Football Focus, to his career stat line.

That gives the former Jayhawk a chance to make the Raiders’ roster this summer, so let’s flip on the tape and see what he can do.

Mello Dotson drops the pick, but this is a good example of his awareness in coverage and how he's constantly around the ball #Raiders pic.twitter.com/d0ieoBjha7

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 29, 2025​

We’ll start with a play that technically goes all for naught since Dotson doesn’t finish and drops the diving interception. But it does highlight his awareness in coverage and how he’s constantly around the ball.

Kansas is in Cover 4 while BYU calls a dagger concept where the outside receiver runs a dig route right at the sticks, and the slot receiver runs a seam route. Since the dig route is less than 10 yards and that’s the wideout Dotson is lined up across from, his coverage rules tell him to sink and help the safety take away the seam route.

That gets the quarterback to throw the dig route, where the linebacker makes a great play to tip the ball in the air. Meanwhile, the corner keeps his eyes on the quarterback and what’s going on in front of him, so he changes directions to nearly capitalize and create a turnover.

Again, Dotson can do a better job of finishing the play to come up with the interception, but this is a good example of how he’s not a robot in coverage and has the instincts to adjust to what he’s seeing. That will pay off down the line and result in momentum-changing plays.

Mello Dotson sits on the route and makes a nice play thru the WR's back to get a PBU #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/pPqtDwSST0

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 29, 2025​

Moving forward, we’ll stick to actual plays on the ball that show up on the stat sheet, as Dotson has a nice rep in man coverage to get a PBU in the clip above.

The Jayhawks are in Cover 1 this time as the Cyclones run a bootleg where the quarterback tries to target a comeback route against off coverage from our subject. But the corner does a great job transitioning from a back pedal to drive on the route and be all over the receiver.

On top of that, Dotson perfectly plays through the receiver’s back to stick his hand in the passing lane and force the incompletion, setting up third and long.

Mello Dotson with a nice adjustment and strong hands to get this pick and then runs it back for 6 #Raiders pic.twitter.com/HbbZhIQAc6

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 29, 2025​

Part of the reason the undrafted free agent had so many interceptions in college is that he has wide receiver-like skills when it comes to adjusting to the ball and his hands, both of which are on display in the clip above.

He’s playing Cover 4 against a dig route again, but stays attached to the receiver this time since the route is a couple of yards deeper than the previous one. Essentially, that turns this into man coverage for the corner, and he does a good job of taking advantage of the college rules by using his hands to stay in phase.

From there, that’s where the receiver skills referenced above come into play. He adjusts to the quarterback’s overthrow, peeling away from the wideout and high-pointing the ball for a nice hands catch to come down with the interception. Finally, he cashes in by finding an open lane to put six points on the board.

Mello Dotson plays the goal line fade perfectly and makes another good adjustment to get another pick #Raiders pic.twitter.com/TEuGUgcw4t

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 29, 2025​

To add some context to the play above, it’s a 10-10 game right before halftime with BYU driving to take the lead heading into the locker room. The Cougars have either a big-bodied wide receiver or tight end split out wide on a goal-line fade route for a one-on-one matchup with the 190-pound Dotson. In other words, the offense has the matchup it wants to exploit.

However, the corner perfectly plays the fade route by not falling for the inside stem on the receiver’s release and using his hands to be in a position to contest both the over-the-shoulder catch and the back-shoulder throw. That said, the quarterback has a bad throw, placing the ball too far inside.

That’s where Dotson’s ability to adjust and high point the ball comes into play again as he hauls in another interception, in a clutch moment this time. Kansas went on to win this game 17-13, so keeping BYU off the scoreboard right before halftime was a huge difference-maker in the contest.

Overall, Dotson isn’t very sticky in coverage and lacks long speed, giving up nearly 1,900 yards (via PFF) and 15 touchdowns during his college career while running a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. That’s why he went undrafted and will have to fight for a roster spot this summer.

But if he can make some plays on the ball during training camp and the preseason, he’ll force the Raiders’ coaching staff to take notice and give himself a chance to earn one of those coveted 53 openings.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/30/24439541/raiders-roster-mello-dotson-kansas-udfa

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders special teams: Is Daniel Carlson next in line for a contract extension?

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2 but now No. 8) is also on the final year of his contract. Will he join punter AJ Cole III (holder) as the next Raider to get a contract extension? | Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Kicker is on final year of his current deal; a look at what a new contract would cost Las Vegas

One boot specialist locked in, another one ... soon?

A proper question considering the Las Vegas Raiders gave elite punter AJ Cole III a lucrative four-year, $15.8 million contract extension which makes him the NFL’s highest-paid punter, earlier this past week. Cole, 29 years old, entered the 2025 campaign on the final year of his current pact and his new deal locks him in for the next five season. He’ll hit unrestricted free agency in 2030 (at age 35).

But Cole isn’t the only leg on the last year of their current deal. Special teams battery mate Daniel Carlson is in the same boat as he’s under contract this season and, without an extension, he hits next offseason as an unrestricted free agency.

.@Raiders @AJCole90 AJ is a weapon and the #raidernation recognized it and rewarded him. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/Rv0hczAxbI

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) May 29, 2025​

The Raiders’ kicking tandem has been in lock-step since the 2019 season (Carlson arrived in 2018 as a waiver wire pickup after the Minnesota Vikings grew tired of his shanking ways) and it’s Cole who servers as the holder to Carlson’s field goal attempts.

So it’s only natural to wonder if Carlson is in the new regime’s long-term plans.

By The Numbers:
Daniel Carlson, Kicker,

• 2024: 34 of 40, 85 percent field goal percentage; 23 of 25, 92 percent extra point percentage; 125 total points scored (made field goals and extra points)
• Career (2018-24): 203 of 232, 87.5 percent field goal percentage; 223 of 233, 95.7 percent extra point percentage; 832 total points scored (made field goals and extra points)

Down Season​

As you can see from the his 2024 production above, it was a “down” year for the 30-year-old kicker. That 85 percent conversion rate is Carlson’s third lowest percentage in his seven seasons in the league. The lowest was his 19 of 26 output — 73.1 percent — in 2019 and second was 17 of 21 — 81 percent — his rookie year in 2018. Caveat there was he went 1 of 4 as a Viking and then 16 of 17 as a Raider that season.

This past season, Carlson was money from the 20- to 39-yard range going 22 of 22. It was distances beyond that where the misses arrived as he went 6 of 8 from 40-49 yards and 7 of 11 from 50-yards plus.

Perhaps Las Vegas is waiting to see Carlson’s 2025 performance before giving him a new deal?

Cole, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer and in terms of yards per punt career leaders list, he’s second at 48.6 (2019-24) to the Detroit Lions Jack Fox (48.8 from 2020-24). Fun fact here: Tied for No. 4 on the list is former Raiders punter Shane Lechler who averaged 47.6 yards per boot from 2000-17.

That all said, Carlson is in the Top 5 of field goal percentage career leaders. His 87.5 mark is good for fifth overall on the list. Former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is the league’s most accurate place kicker with an 89.1 percentage (2012-24). And finding an accurate kicker tends to be quite difficult for a number of teams in the league.

What's in a number? When it comes to @Raiders rookie RB @AshtonJeanty2, All-Pro kicker @DanielCarlson38 and the #Raiders' No. 2, pride, passion and, yes, charity... https://t.co/0Fs17QqYmn

— Paul Gutierrez (@PaulHGutierrez) May 29, 2025​

Potential Cost​

Carlson’s current deal — signed back in 2021 when the kicker was 25 years old — is the 10th richest pact amongst league kickers. So what would it cost the Raiders to extend Carlson?

The highest-paid kicker currently is the Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker who inked a four-year, $25.6 million deal in 2024. That deal got him $17.75 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $6.4 million. Behind Butker is the Atlanta Falcons’ Younghoe Koo, who signed a five-year, $24.25 million deal in 2022. He got $8 million guaranteed at signing and averages $4.85 million a year.

Then there’s the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jake Elliot (four-year, $24 million, $9.7 million guaranteed at signing) and Tucker (four-year, $24 million, $14 million guaranteed at signing) tied for third.

Carlson’s next pact is likely to be slotted right behind Butker and ahead of Koo, potentially. So a four-year, $25.5 million contract is likely the potential cost.

Why behind Butker?

First, Butker inked his deal in 2024. And second, he’s No. 2 on the career-field goal percentage list with an 88.6 mark, Carlson is fifth on that list. For reference, Koo is No. 13 at 86.058 percent.

But going rate may dictate Carlson becoming the highest paid at his position like tag team partner Cole.

Extra Point​

There’s a third integral piece to Las Vegas’ quality kicking group that’s also on the last leg of their current deal: Long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer.

The 28-year-old is responsible for snapping the ball to Cole during both his punts and his holds of Carlson’s field goals. Bobenmoyer joined the Raiders went Tom McMahon become the special teams unit (both were with the Denver Broncos) and it’s reasonable to assume the former staying the latter’s long snapper.

Bobenmoyer inked a three-year, $3.815 million deal in 2023 and, like Carlson, is slated to hit unrestricted free agency next offseason. The highest-paid snapper in the league is the Buffalo Bills’ Reid Ferguson (four-year, $6.5 million just signed in 2025) with the Indianapolis Colts’ Luke Rhodes second (four-year, $6.465 million signed in 2023).

Per source, details of Reid Ferguson’s new contract:

4 years 6.5M

1.625 AAV (highest paid long snapper)

1.110M signing (most ever for long snapper)

Well deserved payday for the longest tenured #Bills player#BillsMafia @BuffaloPlus pic.twitter.com/zq4mQJcBGH

— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) March 9, 2025​

Thus, the Raiders — if the team wants to keep the trio of Cole, Carlson, and Bobenmoyer together for years to come — could boast the most expensive specialists in the league.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/31/24439371/raiders-2025-daniel-carlson-kicker-contract

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Rookies Tonka Hemingway, JJ Pegues add youth, energy to Las Vegas Raiders defense

Las Vegas Raiders rookie defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway, seen here stretching during the team’s rookie minicamp in early May, is one of two draft picks at the position group. | Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images

Mid- and late-round picks give Las Vegas youth, energy in the trenches

As the Las Vegas Raiders embark on the Pete Carroll era, there’s one thing clear when players see their new head coach on the field: Energy.

Veteran wide receiver Jakobi Meyers provided hilarious insight on the Carroll’s energy level as the Silver & Black embark on offseason activities.

“I don’t know how he doing it, honestly. There’s gotta be some type of drug out there or something,” Meyers humorously said after the team’s offseason workout session this past Thursday.

Meyers lauded the Raiders new head coach’s ability to get the players moving in the right direction. Almost like the players need to match their super veteran head coach’s passion lest they be noticed as stragglers. And quite honestly, if a player can’t match or surpass Carroll’s liveliness, they won’t be in Las Vegas long.

Thus, all eyes on the newest and youngest Raiders on the roster: The rookies.

Namely defensive tackles Tonka Hemingway — taken with the 135th pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft — and JJ Pegues — picked at 180th overall in the sixth round.

What can Raider Nation expect out of the neophyte defenders in Year 1?

Athleticism, power, and frenetic energy.

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images
JJ Pegues, taken in the sixth round, gives the Las Vegas Raiders a quick and powerful rookie who can play on defense and be a short-yardage power back on offense, too.

Our Matt Holder did an excellent job breaking down film on both Hemingway and Pegues. Holder highlighted the athleticism and power Hemingway brings from South Carolina. He also showcased how stout Pegues can be as both a run defender and pass rusher, as well as an intriguing option on offense, too boot.

There’s a glut at defensive tackle with nine players in the position group — 10 had it not been for the Raiders moving International Pathway Program signee Laki Tasi to offensive line.

That number of course will be dwindled and let’s take a look at how the mid- and late-round Raiders selections in this past draft can carve their spot in the 53-man roster.

Tonka Tough​

At 6-foot-3 and 284 pounds, Hemingway displayed quick feet, suddenness, an brute force for the South Carolina Gamecocks defense.

Labeled as a “tweener” by some due to his lighter weight and slender frame compared to middle and bottom heavy contemporaries, Hemingway has experience on the edge as a defensive end and inside as a defensive tackle. Hemingway must take advantage of that versatility as the offseason continues to show defensive line boss Rob Leonard, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, and Carroll he can be moved around and be effective and productive.

Hemingway wasn’t a high-volume sack producer at South Carolina — he finished with 9.5 career sacks with four being his highest output in 2022 and 2024 — but his quickness and suddenness made him a disruptive presence in the middle. The Raiders can’t have enough of that and Hemingway would be wise to sit under the learning tree with Adam Butler and Christian Wilkins (when he’s able to participate in practices).

Consistency is elusive to Hemingway’s game and the 23-year-old needs to become a regular contributor instead of the splash play/fleeting moments he had with the Gamecocks.

That said, if he can bring the explosiveness and power he exhibited in college to the pros, he can carve out snaps on defense and special teams. Especially on a Raiders defensive line that doesn’t have Wilkins available yet.

A flat tire didn't stop DL Tonka Hemingway from getting after it

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/x5xFAVJV8n

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 27, 2025​

Chess Pegues​

Well-built and stout at 6-foot-2 and 309 pounds, this Ole Miss product was asked to do quite a bit and was effective when called upon.

With experience on the end and both a three-technique and nose tackle, Pegues must take advantage and showcase his position versatility in practices and workouts much like Hemingway.

Pegues is compact and thick which makes him a terror to block as he’s got the lower-body power to generate the explosive content that can displace blockers. He’s able to change direction very quickly which makes him that much more of a pain to block as Pegues is able to break through and make plays in the backfield.

Like his higher drafted 2025 classmate, Pegues wasn’t a big sack numbers guy in college — 10 total sacks with 3.5 being the highest outputs in 2023 and 2024 — but his eight and 14 tackles for loss in both seasons highlights his disruptiveness.

Pegues is also a hefty option on offense as a short-yardage ball carrier due to that same lower-body strength. Seven rushing touchdowns in 2024 highlight Pegues’ capability with the ball in his hands as he’s got both power and vision to convert short-yardage situations to first downs or touchdowns.

Kindly fasten your chinstrap when JJ Pegues is in the game pic.twitter.com/xosUjyQirp

— We Run the Sip (@OMRebelNation) September 15, 2022​

The Competition​

Wilkins and Butler are heavily penciled in as starters/heavy contributors. But it’s unclear when Wilkins will be back — reports suggest by training camp in August. So snaps are available.

Veteran flier Leki Fotu is likely the first option to fill the nose tackle role due to his size at 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds.

Second-year player Jonah Laulu flashed in his rookie year in Las Vegas and brings good size at 6-foot-5 and 292 pounds and veteran Zach Carter brings tackle/end versatility as a 26-year-old. After them, it’s youngsters including Hemingway, Pegues, and fellow rookies (undrafted) Tank Booker (6-foot-3, 347 pounds) and Treven Ma’ae (6-foot-3, 277 pounds).

Carroll has preached open competition across the board to give his Raiders the best options at starter and backups. Thus, if Hemingway and Pegues can continue to bring energy and passion, the two rookies have the chance to potentially displace veterans for defensive and special teams snaps.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...a-hemmingway-jj-pegues-defensive-tackle-draft