The Las Vegas Raiders are taking a different approach to putting together their offense, and these players benefitted.
The Las Vegas Raiders had an eventful draft, with most of the action coming with the first pick. The Raiders got their franchise quarterback in Fernando Mendoza, but there were plenty of winners and losers as the Raiders revealed their approach to rebuilding, so let’s see who Sam Warren of The Athletic chose as the winners.
Ashton Jeanty, RB
Jeanty was incredibly professional last season on an epically bad team, but he has to be just as happy going forward. He got a new offensive minded coach, Klint Kubiak, who clearly believes in having a bell-cow running back, and the Raiders improved their offensive line to back up the tired lines about how important the running game is. Jeanty wasn’t given any room to run last year, but that should change significantly going forward.
The Raiders also got Jeanty a complementary understudy in running back Mike Washington Jr. Jeanty carried a heavy workload last year with 266 carries, and it’s a minor miracle that he somehow managed to play in 17 games. Washington’s athleticism should play well with Jeanty, and both running backs should have opportunities as receivers as the offense gets completely installed.
Wide Receivers
Speaking of receivers, these guys just caught an incredible break. Tre Tucker, Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton all underperformed last year, but it was hard to tell if that was really what was happening given the state of the offensive line and quarteback Geno Smith’s unfortunate tendency to hold the ball and wait for downfield targets who never had time to get open.
The Raiders added Jalen Nailor in free agency, and he should benefit, too. He was overshadowed by Justin Jefferson with the Minnesota Vikings, but he won’t be overshadowed by anyone in Las Vegas, so he’ll have the chance to show if he’s got the chops to be a top target.
The only receiver the Raiders drafted was Malik Benson, but most of his potential is based on improving the return game. It’s possible the Raiders will add a veteran wideout in camp, but it feels like most of the serious moves have already been made.
Kubiak and GM John Spytek clearly believe in the potential of the existing receivers, and they’ll get opportunities even though the offense is expected to be built around tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. The Raiders are taking a significant risk that this group could come up small again, but at least they’ll get a serious chance to show what they can do.