Silver And Black Pride
Returning Raider Nation’s questions for the week
The Las Vegas Raiders are evaluating the players on the current roster during OTAs, and the coaching staff might find a few holes it wants to address before training camp. So, the primary focus of this week’s mailbag will be on the remaining free agents and exploring the Raiders’ current depth chart.
Q: Do you think the Raiders will add a veteran running back and a rotational edge rusher? Maxx Crosby has been hurt, and so has Malcolm Koonce, and if Ashton Jeanty gets hurt, the Raiders are cooked.
A: At running back, I’d be interested to see if Nick Chubb has anything left. However, Chubb’s body seems to be breaking down as he’s only played in 10 games over the last two seasons, suffering season-ending injuries during both campaigns, and he posted a career-low 3.3 yards per carry in 2024 while coming back from a torn ACL and MCL the year prior.
Ultimately, I think the coaching staff will lean on Raheem Mostert as the veteran back this season and hope that Sincere McCormick can build off the promise he showed during that three-game run from last season.
At edge rusher, I see where you’re coming from since the position group lacks depth behind Crosby and Koonce. But Koonce returning to practice this week reduces the urgency to add someone.
If the front office is going to add someone significant between now and training camp, I think it will be at the nickel spot. So, here’s my weekly shameless plug to sign Mike Hilton! Glad we could get that one out of the way early!
Q: Do the Raiders add another wide receiver? Because if Jakobi Meyers goes down and Jack Bech doesn’t perform well, they’re cooked, depending on Tre Tucker, and we already are hearing that Thornton isn’t ready anytime soon.
A: Can I interest you in former Raider, Amari Cooper? Cooper is coming off his least productive season as a pro with 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns while playing for two teams. But he might have some juice left after racking up over 1,200 yards with the Browns two years ago.
There are a few notable wideouts still availabe in free agency, like Keenan Allen, Tyler Boyd and another former Raider, Nelson Agholor. However, I get the feeling the organization is confident Bech will hit the ground running and wants to give the young guys on the depth chart as many reps as possible.
If I had to put money on it, I’d bet Las Vegas doesn’t add another receiver before training camp.
Q: Do you think the Raiders will extend Jakobi Meyers and Kolton Miller before the season starts? And do you think they should?
A: I get a little weary of extending Miller because of his injuries over the last couple of years, and the fact that he’s getting up there in age. But the Raiders waiting until the third round to draft an offensive...
