The Las Vegas Raiders aim to transform their offense after finishing last in scoring last NFL season, with several promising upgrades underway. New head coach Klint Kubiak, regarded as one of the NFL’s top offensive playcallers, is expected to bring a fresh strategic edge to the team’s attack. The franchise’s offense has struggled without a strong playcaller in recent years, making this change significant for improvement.
Adding to this, the Raiders are likely to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, envisioning him as a cornerstone for the franchise. Mendoza’s arrival is anticipated to breathe new life into the offense, especially with the weapons he would have at his disposal.
Mendoza Shares High Praise for Running Back Ashton Jeanty
One of the players Mendoza is excited to collaborate with is running back Ashton Jeanty, who showed glimpses of potential despite a less-than-stellar rookie season. Mendoza believes Jeanty possesses exceptional talent that hasn’t been fully recognized yet.
“Ashton Jeanty should’ve been Heisman winner the year before,”
Mendoza told CBS Sports.
“He should have an attribute on like Madden that whenever the first tackle is, he always breaks. What a phenomenal player.”
Jeanty narrowly missed out on winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy, which went to former Colorado star Travis Hunter, but Mendoza strongly feels Jeanty deserved the award.
Mendoza Highlights the Potential of Tight End Brock Bowers
For Mendoza, tight end Brock Bowers stands out as a particularly thrilling offensive asset. Despite a challenging 2025 season for the Raiders offense that limited Bowers’ production, Mendoza is confident he will bounce back strong, especially with Kubiak’s playcalling and Mendoza’s potential quarterback role.
“What a great player,” Mendoza said about Bowers.
“It’s phenomenal, and every quarterback’s best friend is a tight end. I love throwing the ball to tight ends.”
This endorsement highlights Bowers as a key target in the Raiders’ offense moving forward, potentially reinvigorating his career.
Raiders Face Challenges in Building a Balanced Offense
While the core trio of Mendoza, Jeanty, and Bowers offers a strong foundation, the Raiders still have significant gaps to fill across their offensive roster. Left tackle Kolton Miller remains a reliable but aging presence on the line, and promising defensive player Jackson Powers-Johnson has been hampered by injuries during his early NFL tenure.
The wide receiver group is notably thin, with second-year player Jack Bech showing promise after being a second-round draft pick. Dont’e Thornton, known for his unusual combination of size and speed, also adds intrigue, but the unit is largely unproven. A genuine No. 1 wide receiver is widely seen as essential for enhancing the offense’s explosiveness.
The offensive line also ranked among the NFL’s poorest last season, underscoring the urgency for the Raiders to address key offensive positions. Improvements in free agency and the draft are expected to focus heavily on bolstering both the offensive line and wide receiver corps to support the emerging talents of Mendoza, Jeanty, and Bowers.
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds for the Raiders Offense
The integration of Fernando Mendoza into the Raiders offense, alongside talented players like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, sets a hopeful tone for the franchise’s revitalization efforts. With Klint Kubiak’s leadership and targeted roster enhancements on the horizon, the Raiders are poised to make a determined push for a more dynamic and competitive offense in the coming seasons.
