Silver And Black Pride
The Las Vegas Raiders will head into the off-season with a need at pretty much every single position and there’s a situation where they could be going into the off-season with a brand new head coach for the third year in a row. The Raiders have a long uphill battle to becoming a relevant team, and then beyond that a competitive team as well. Las Vegas will have a plethora of draft picks and cap space and they’ll need to be aggressive this off-season in adding talent to complete the roster to become somewhat competitive going forward into 2026.
The Raiders clearly need to add a potential franchise quarterback this off-season and Mendoza can fit that criteria. The former Cal and current Indiana signal caller has been a standout in 2025 with a 72% completion rate (84% adjusted), 2980 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Additionally he has a 6.2% big time throw rate and just 9 turnover worthy plays. Mendoza has a sensational arm with good ability to complete multiple NFL caliber throws, layer passes, complete bucket passes, and do so with good touch and high end accuracy. Mendoza showcases the traits to work in the NFL and while he does need a little development, most rookies QBs will to be an impact player year one. The Raiders could be jumped if they don’t land the first overall pick and potentially miss out on Mendoza. At 6’5, 225 he also showcases exceptional size and good movement and pocket awareness.
The Raiders will need to add to their offensive line this season and despite adding talent with Caleb Rogers, Jackson Powers-Johnson, DJ Glaze, and Charles Grant to both the tackle, center, and guard rooms they’ll still need to add more talent going forward. Glaze has struggled at right tackle and likely will kick into guard, Rogers has shown some good film in his limited time, and it’s time for Grant to get his opportunity though he showcases good initial skills and athleticism to work. Las Vegas will need to continue adding to the room till things can get set, and Dunker does that. The 6’6/315 Iowa product has good athletic skills, experience at both tackle spots and guard, along with incredible strength. Dunker is an exceptional run blocker and wins with his natural strength and athletic ability, he’ll need some work at times but athletically he’s going to translate to the NFL and would help to anchor the Raiders at RT though a move to guard could also be in his future to capitalize on the run game.
The Raiders have a safety issue, Jeremy Chinn has excelled in the nickel role and they’ll need to add talent at both free and strong this off-season with Isaiah Pola-Mao likely not projecting much going forward. McNeil-Warren looks to be up next...
