The Las Vegas Raiders are focusing on their revamped defense, featuring new signings and young talent, while addressing concerns about cornerback Taron Johnson's absence from OTA programs. Potential surprise cuts include players like Spencer Burford and Ian Thomas as the team finalizes its roster.
Key points
Raiders added several key players to their defense
Surprise cuts may include Spencer Burford and Ian Thomas
Defense expected to rank between 10th and 12th this season
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 20: Taron Johnson #7 of the Buffalo Bills lines up during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 20: Taron Johnson #7 of the Buffalo Bills lines up during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images
These questions come from my Twitter, where Iāll frequently post about a Mailbag. You can find that here, and roughly once every 7-10 days Iāll post that Iām taking questions for a mailbag! This weeks iteration:
**How will the defense be?**
The Raiders added a ton to their defense with the signings of Kwity Paye at EDGE, Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and Segun Olubi at linebacker before landing Taron Johnson in a trade with Buffalo. Additionally, they added 6 rookies with 4 defensive backs, and two on the defensive line. The Raiders are going to run a very versatile defense, and Iād lean heavily into a 4-2-5 (nickel) base even with Klint Kubiak & Rob Leonard saying theyād be in a 3-4 base. Teams live out of base rarely more than 22% of the time, with most in the 13-17% range. Nickel will be the Raiders key base, and with actually an impressive amount of young talent on the defense, there will be ups and downs. Las Vegas finished last season ranked 14th in total defense, with a unit consistently seeing snaps from current free agents Devin White, Elandon Roberts, Kyu Blu Kelly, and Jamal Adams all of which are still free agents. Rob Leonardās defense will likely be a blend of both Patrick Grahamās utilizing cover 3 concepts and attack front on the defensive line (switched to a react last year which helped with the run game but absolutely ruined their pass rush), with Mike MacDonald whoās built his defense off cover 3, two nickel defenders, and a lot of secondary rotation, brackets, and match coverages.
When itās all said and done, Iād expect the Raiders defense to finish somewhere along the 10th to 12th range. The team has talent, but they do lack a little bit of depth at linebacker, and their secondary is extremely young with 4 rookies all likely to see real playtime this season which could cause some issues in terms of coverage assignments, NFL route concepts, and other factors that take time to adjust to in the NFL. The Raiders peak defense ranking can likely be around the 7th to 10th range, and the bottom range is 17-21 range. Las Vegas has a ton of potential on their defense, they do have younger talent as well, and seeing key development from their units will be crucial. Rob Leonard has shown a track record of getting development out of his defensive line, and now the goal will be doing so across the entire defense.
**Whatās going on with Taron Johnson?**
Q&A
What new players have the Raiders added to their defense?
The Raiders have signed Kwity Paye, Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and Segun Olubi, and traded for Taron Johnson.
Why is Taron Johnson absent from Raiders OTA programs?
Taron Johnson's absence is likely due to contract negotiations, as he seeks more guaranteed money despite having two years left on his contract.
Who are the potential surprise cuts for the Raiders this season?
Potential surprise cuts include Spencer Burford, Jordan Meredith, and possibly Ian Thomas, as the team has strong depth in key positions.
What is the expected ranking for the Raiders' defense this season?
The Raiders' defense is expected to finish between 10th and 12th, with potential to peak around 7th to 10th depending on player development.
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I saw this pop up, the Raiders acquired Taron Johnson back in March and the 30 year old cornerback doesnāt have much with the Raiders on his social media, didnāt have an introduction press conference, and hasnāt had any photos of him in off-season workouts so far. With all that in mind, I wouldnāt worry too much in terms of his absence in the Raiders OTA programs. While itās not ideal that Johnson is absent from the Raiders OTA programs, and getting experience with the team is crucial, thereās also a few notables outside that as well. Johnson has 2 years, 17.1 million remaining on his contract which includes 8.1 million in 2026. Johnson only has 1.17 million of guaranteed salary for the next two seasons. At 30 years old, and looking to rebound his career in Las Vegas, Iād highly expect that the main reason Johnson is absent at the OTAās is adding more guaranteed money in his contract.
**Potential biggest surprise cuts**?
One of the largest surprise cuts already was Charles Snowden, who while I thought would get beat out by Cian Slone or Brennen Jackson during pre-season, I didnāt expect him to be released in May. The Raiders have built out some good depth in key areaās especially on their interior offensive line, EDGE, and secondary. The top āsurpriseā options to be released would be Spencer Burford or Jordan Meredith, with Las Vegas having 5-6 possible guards and a hard path to keeping more than 5. In addition, while not a full surprise TE Ian Thomas could be a surprise cut, if heās beaten out by Carter Runyon who provides similar blocking but a better upside in the receiving game. I could see Dontāe Thornton as a possible release candidate as well, with him lacking a lot of traits in 2025, including poor separation, route running, contested catch ability, and overall receiving traits. Thornton likely will make the roster, but assuming Bech/Tucker/Nailor/Young are all locked into the room that leaves two spots for the possibility of a veteran FA or waiver addition, Mailk Benson, Chase Roberts, Corey Rucker, or Shedrick Jackson all of which can provide different skillsets.
Looking to the defense, JJ Pegues a 6th rounder in 2025 did shows a little promise towards the end of the season, but itāll heavily depend on if heās a true NT, or someone who the team will rotate between 0-4 Tech allowing them to have more versatility and depth on the defensive line. If Pegues is a sole NT, his spot will come down to a competition with Brandon Cleveland & Gary Smith. Cleveland could be a cut as well, if the roster is solely one NT and heās beaten by Pegues, though he has a better shot of being on the roster than not. Iād add Jackson Powers-Johnson as a possible trade option as well.
**What do you think the starting OL will be?**
Itās going to be a long battle throughout the summer, fall, and pre-season and with just two spots locked up (Kolton Miller, LT & Tyler Linderbaum, C) thereās a lot of possible OL combinations. Jackson Powers-Johnson lines up pretty well to start at LG or RG, though heāll need to stay healthy. Additionally, DJ Glaze seems to have a good shot as the starting RT position, and after a down year in 2025 heāll return to a system similar to that of his rookie season where he played better, and with his run blocking skills he remains a top option at RT especially at 23. If Glaze loses his spot at RT, the Raiders are also working him at RG and heāll have a shot to start there as well. Caleb Rogers was up and down, but heās shown good athleticism, and could anchor a guard spot. Jordan Meredith returns to a similar system as he played in 2024, where he looked to be a good spot starter, and can provide depth as well though heāll likely get the chance to compete for a starting guard spot. Lastly, rookie Trey Zuhn is kicking into G, and heās an exceptional athlete, incredibly strong, and plays tough which fits a lot of what Klint Kubiak will want in his offensive line, the team also has Spencer Burford whoās just 25 and coming off his first real season starting though heās been incredibly up and down and likely profiles more into a depth role. Charles Grant has a chance to compete for the RT position, and heās arguably the most intriguing player in the room, with just under 70 snaps in 2025, he did show a lot of upside, and he could come for a spot in 2026 with DJ Glaze or at G.
With ALL that said and done, my final OL prediction would be: Kolton Miller (LT), Trey Zuhn, Tyler Linderbaum, Jackson Powers-Johnson, DJ Glaze.
**How much will the Raiders utilize being first on the waivers?**
Las Vegas needs to build a bit more depth at linebacker, and could add a valuable wide receiver, runningback, or defensive tackle through the waiver system. Teams often with the first waiver claim, have utilized an average of 4.3 waiver claims per season, and I could see a similar number for Las Vegas. The Raiders will likely heavily utilize the waivers through pre-season & training camp to churn the bottom of the roster and add more competition, depth, and prospective practice squad players.
**Will Mendoza win the starting job?**
I lean no, and for two reasons. The first clearly being that Las Vegas wants to let Mendoza adapt to the NFL level, and thereās good reason with that. Heās shown some ability to work under center thus far, and Iād expect that heāll look very comfortable doing so through training camp, pre-season, and eventually in the regular season. Mendoza will easily earn the chance to start, and itās not a battle favoring Kirk Cousins as some have made it seem. Mendoza is just 22 years old, heāll turn 23 in October, and having the chance to sit and learn from Cousins, Kubiak, and others will give him the chance to easily adapt to the NFL immediately as other quarterbacks have done. Iād expect Mendoza takes over the starting role at some point through the season, likely in week 8-9, and it wonāt be due to poor play from Cousins but overall time for him to play. The second reason will largely come down to Cousins, the Raiders pay Cousins nearly 10 million next season though he wonāt be on the roster with a poison pill that guaranteeās 80M of his 2026 contract should he be on the roster 5th day of the league year in 2027. Las Vegas will likely look to trade Cousins for prospective capital in 2027/2028 if he has a strong season, and renegotiates the poison pill. Mendoza will play for Las Vegas in 2026, I just donāt expect him too week 1.
**Do you think the Raiders add another WR?**
Yes, but I donāt know to what extent they add another receiver. Las Vegas has 25 million in cap space remaining, and theyāll likely look to have no less than 18 million come season to help with in season management & movement. Jauan Jennings was the top receiver on the market, and he inked a 12 million deal across one year with the Vikings just a few days ago. Thereās currently a good group of veterans available, but each also come with their concerns. Deebo Samuel makes sense for Las Veags as a veteran addition to the room, and he has experience with Klint Kubiak as well. Tyreek Hill is likely out most, if not all, of 2026 and heās unlikely to be the same player he ever was plus comes with severe off field concerns. Stefon Diggs is 32, and likely doesnāt want to play for a non competitive team, with also having off-field concerns. Outside of those, the next option that makes sense for Las Vegas is former Bills WR Curtis Samuel, who would provide a strong 4th option in the room, and at 30 years old wonāt be truly expensive. Other potential names include Keenan Allen (34), Sterling Shepard (33), Tim Patrick (32), and Jahan Dotson (26). The Raiders likely add a veteran or younger receiver through roster cuts, if they want to add to the depth of the room, with plenty of receivers likely on their way out and available on waivers.
**What is the status with Jermod McCoy?**
McCoy is participating in the first part of OTAās, participated in rookie minicamp, and McCoy should be healthy for 2026. McCoyās knee issue, stemming from a bone plug, is something that may need to be addressed in the future, though is not necessary in 2026. Should McCoy be healthy in 2026, and it appears as such he is, then thereās a good expectation for McCoy to start for Las Vegas, and possibly get the surgery after this season.
**What do you think the starting DL will be?**
The Raiders starting defensive line seems relatively easy to predict, but thereās some questions as well when it comes to the rotation rate on the interior. Maxx Crosby will start at EDGE, and Iād imagine itās a 60/40 split between Malcolm Koonce & Kwity Paye across from him with Las Vegas prioritizing pass rush with Koonce and run defense with Paye. Additionally, Las Vegas will see rotation from Keyron Crawford & one of Cian Slone/Brennan Jackson as well to add more depth. On the interior, Iād imagine Adam Butler is the starter on the interior, and then the final spot comes up to debate. Tonka Hemingway had an excellent end to the end of the season, and I like him as an option to start with Jonah Laulu, Thomas Booker, and JJ Pegues core rotational players alongside one of Brodric Martin, Gary Smith, or Brandon Cleveland. *My final DL* would end up as: Crosby (EDGE), Hemingway (4/3T), Cleveland (NT), Butler (3/2T), Paye/Koonce (EDGE)
**How do you pass on a WR at the top of the second? If he becomes a pro bowler fire Spytek**.
Las Vegas passed on Denzel Boston 38th overall, though the larger passes came down the board. At 36th overall, Las Vegas moved down to 38th, and added safety Treydan Stukes who projects as a starting FS with elite ball skills. The Raiders clearly want to see development from Jack Bech, value Tre Tucker, and signed Jalen Nailor as well. The top part of the Raiders receiving room is adequate, though could use more talent, they can also value the ability for players to develop and with a young roster thatās crucial. The Raiders needed to address their secondary, and Stukes while 24, does project as a potential Pro Bowl safety with his fit into the system on the backend. *As for firing Spytek*, heās done a sensational job through his first two seasons, so thatās not close to ever happening. I, personally, wouldāve liked to see Las Vegas add a receiver in the 4th or 5th round but itās hard to argue over the selections of McCoy, Washington, and Masses all of which can be down the line starters for Las Vegas (Washington as a 2nd back).
**Why is everyone down on JPJ? Bad coaching, and development heās still raw**.
The biggest knock for Powers-Johnson comes with his extensive injury history between concussions, lower body injuries, and with that itās hard to stay on the field. Powers-Johnson should have a clear shot to start, and personally would be the starter for me, when healthy. If he canāt stay on the field, especially during camp or pre-season then it opens a very very big door for Trey Zuhn, Spencer Burford, and/or Caleb Rogers to swoop in and take a position from him. When healthy, Powers-Johnson is a clear cut top 3 offensive lineman on the roster, and should have the starting guard spot down, but Las Vegas also needs to weigh the odds with him not being healthy.
**With a lot of talk surrounding rookies/UDFA, any non rookies possibly traded?**
I hinted at it earlier, but I do think Jackson Powers-Johnson could be an option should Las Vegas value the other interior options more, and get a strong 2027 pick for Powers-Johnson. That said, I donāt fully see him being moved and think heāll be a starter for Las Vegas. On the interior, Jordan Meredith could be a late training camp trade option for a team wanting more depth. Veteran quarterback Aidan OāConnell, could make the roster but itās hard to keep three quarterbacks in the modern NFL era. OāConnell likely could fetch the Raiders a 5th rounder, similar to that of the Kenny Pickett trade, for a team seeking a veteran backup or stop gap starter.
**What FA Signings/Trade do you expect before camp?**
I likely see them adding a couple UFL players, and I broke that down for names to watch. Additionally, I think a few players will be churned out after the first wave of OTAās, and the team will also look to add a veteran depth piece at linebacker, wide receiver, and an offensive tackle where the depth is relatively lacking. Las Vegas, certainly needs to add more to their offensive tackle room with Kolton Miller, DJ Glaze, Charles Grant, and Dalton Wagner headlining the top four before UDFAās Niklas Henning & Isaiah Jatta. Overall, Iād expect the Raiders to consistently churn the roster with time, as John Spytek has indicated that they will do.
**Can Bowers go for 120 receptions, 1200-1400 yards, and 10 TD?**
I can certainly see it happening, his rookie season Bowers logged 112 receptions, 1194 yards, and five touchdowns before injuries cause him to post only 680 yards, and seven touchdowns on 64 receptions in 2025. Bowers projects as the Raiders top receiver this season, and with the Klint Kubiak offense heāll likely operate with a ton of potential to see high rates of YAC, designed looks, and simply getting the ball into his hands. John Spytek & Klint Kubiak have spoke highly of Tre Tucker, and he should be a relatively consistent target for the offense after continuing to develop each season, with his best season in 2026. Additionally, Jalen Nailor will have the first chance for him to be a true top receiver, and when heās had the opportunities before Nailor has flashed his traits to be a consistent 700+ yard receiver, and possibly end up with similar production of Jakobi Meyers. Bowers will certainly be the top option for the Raiders passing game, heāll get designed looks, and with a likely rookie QB Bowers will certainly be the focal point. I can certainly see Bowers ending up with similar levels of production to that of his rookie season.
**Most likely to be the WR1 this year?**
At wide receiver, I lean Jalen Nailor. Overall, itāll be Brock Bowers. Though a key point I want to made known *Brock Bowers doesnāt mean they donāt need to ever add a top wide receiver. Theyāll need to add talent, and theyāll certainly look to do so in the future.*
**Is Stukes asked to shift to S due to ceiling at CB/injuries?**
Stukes played heavily in the nickel for Arizona, but he also played a ton of K-1 safety, which is essentially a nickel cornerback that would immediately rotate back into the single high free safety role. Stukes isnāt rotating to safety because of injuries, and if he has to play in the slot, heāll likely be among the best in the NFL. Heās a versatile defensive back, and Las Vegas will tap into that heavily, though his role at true single high safety works out best for him.
**How many Guards make the final 53 man roster?**
At most 5. Assuming Jackson Powers-Johnson isnāt moved, then it leaves him, Trey Zuhn, Caleb Rogers, and Spencer Burford as the top four guards. Jordan Meredith adds depth at guard and center. 5 guards, 4 tackles, and a center leaves 10 lineman for the Raiders. If Las Vegas chooses to go with 9 lineman, then a guard is likely the player on the outside which would come down to one of Burford or Meredith.