ESPN put out rankings based on projections for 2027 to 2029 based on roster (minus quarterback), quarterback, coaching and front office. The Las Vegas Raiders came in at No. 25.
The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot to look forward to in the future, especially with how good rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza looked in his preseason debut.
Although the Raiders lost 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals, Mendoza got fans excited when he delivered a bullet for his first National Football League score (it’s not an official NFL touchdown, but still). Mendoza had one touchdown and completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards.
The Heisman Trophy winner came in after veteran starter Kirk Cousins completed five of six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown, and was relieved by third-stringer Aidan O’Connell, who didn’t fare too well (4/13 passing, 85 yards).
Mendoza will be an exciting addition to a team that has good energy surrounding it with a new coaching staff and improved roster, but ESPN staff doesn’t seem to be believers in what the Raiders are capable of over the next few years.
ESPN made future power rankings with projections for all 32 teams from 2027 to 2029, basing them off four factors: roster (minus quarterback), quarterback, coaching and front office. Las Vegas checked in at No. 25, which seems very low for a team that seems to have a ton of promise.
Although the staff is low on Las Vegas, they are high on Mendoza and what he can do.
“The No. 1 pick is in good hands with new coach Klint Kubiak and an elite pass catcher in tight end Brock Bowers,” Ben Solak wrote Monday.
“General manager John Spytek had a bit of a false start out of the gate given the 2025 Raiders' personnel issues under Pete Carroll, but the Raiders now have an opportunity to take that thrilling leap that comes only with talented rookie passers -- which they very well might have in Mendoza.”
Mendoza and his top weapons, Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, should grow into a devastating trio that will be hard to defend. But the main concern lies on defense, with uncertainty surrounding star defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Not only is Crosby a player to watch in trade talks, especially after nearly being traded to the Baltimore Ravens in the offseason, but he’s coming off major knee surgery and is getting older.
“There is no question that Maxx Crosby is as good as it gets off one edge, but how many more dominant seasons can he play on his surgically repaired knee?” Louis Riddick wrote. “Someone else has to perform for the Raiders to take the next step.”
While I agree that the defense may not be as strong as others even with Crosby, that side of the ball improved, too. A whole new linebacker room, cornerbacks and linemen that are hungry for success on a new team should provide some flare.
I’m not suggesting that the Raiders will be an absolute powerhouse by 2029, but I expect them to be a playoff team if their cards are played right, and that deserves a higher ranking than 25th.
