Top 10 Las Vegas Raiders Players Going Into the 2026-27 NFL Season

The Raiders were awful last season due to a number of factors. They made some bold moves in the offseason, and I think they'll be better overall even if it takes years to see the Raiders back to being good again. They have a new franchise quarterback in Fernando Mendoza. I think they'll be interesting this season if nothing else. The pieces are there, and now they need to put the puzzle together.

The Top Ten

Brock Bowers

Bowers hasn't been in the NFL long, but has already established himself as one of the premier tight ends in the league. He broke the record for receptions and receiving yards for a rookie tight end in 2024.
Since then, he's continued to show his ability. Although in 2025 he missed more games due to injuries, it's clear he's a generational talent that's more like a wide receiver who plays tight end with how he moves across the field. Fully healthy, he should have a bounce-back year and be the primary target for the Raiders' offense.
Maxx Crosby

Maxx Crosby has been the anchor of the Raiders' defense for years. This offseason, they tried to trade him to Baltimore, only they backed out at the 11th hour due to a failed physical, causing the Ravens to pivot. The Raiders get him back after all. Crosby is excellent with five Pro Bowls and two Second-Team All-Pro selections.
He is elite at run defense and has a relentless motor. He is a living nightmare for any opposing offense. He excels at generating pressures and tackles for loss. He's a true menace and has a truly unorthodox style. He's had at least 10 sacks and 22 tackles for loss in three of the last four seasons.
Tyler Linderbaum

Tyler Linderbaum is a huge free-agent signing by the Raiders this past offseason. He's one of the top three best centers in the entire league, with three Pro Bowls to his name in the first four years of his career.
That's a huge upgrade to their offensive line to protect the quarterback. He is an elite run blocker and a solid pass blocker. Honestly, this might be one of the best free-agent signings they've made in a long time. Tyler Linderbaum is as durable and reliable as they come.
Ashton Jeanty

Ashton Jeanty is an interesting case. He is an elite talent who is known for creating big plays. However, his rookie stats are kind of misleading simply because the Raiders' offensive line last season was one of the worst in the league, so Jeanty had a hard time getting many yards.
However, now they have made some improvements, so hopefully he can run easier. Still though, he showed flashes of his potential as a rookie, and even with an ankle injury, the team believes it's a short-term injury so he shouldn't miss too much time. I still have high hopes for Jeanty in 2026.
Kolton Miller

Kolton Miller is one of those guys that nobody ever really talks about, but he's always been one of the better left tackles in the league. From a rocky start, he has developed into a reliable and consistent player.
He doesn't have any awards or accolades to his name, but he's still good. He is an elite pass protector that flies under the radar simply because the Raiders' offensive line is generally below average. Still though, he's a lone bright spot.
Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza is the new potential quarterback of the future for the Raiders, and expectations are sky-high for him, especially considering what he did this past season in college, bulldozing everyone else on their way to a national championship and a Heisman Trophy.
I think he can be successful in the right system. My question is how much of him will we actually get to see this season, if at all? I don't hate playing Kirk Cousins first instead of throwing Fernando into the fire right out of the gate.
Eric Stokes

Similar to Quay Walker, Eric Stokes is a former Packer who showed flashes but was ultimately very frustrating for Green Bay simply because, after his rookie season, he would miss over 20 games in the next 2 seasons. His 5th-year option was declined, but then something interesting happened. He played for Las Vegas in 2025 and actually had a decent season, finishing with 53 tackles (35 solo tackles) and 3 tackles for loss in 16 games played. Assuming he can stay healthy, he should be a good piece for the Raiders defense.
Quay Walker

The Raiders made a splash move signing Quay Walker to a three-year, 40-million-dollar contract this offseason after the Packers declined his fifth-year option. Walker is starting caliber, which is really what the Raiders need right now. He has great athleticism and the ability to rack up tackles.
On top of that, he's highly athletic when blitzing too, although he struggles in coverage and reading plays, making him overall frustrating and inconsistent in Green Bay. Maybe a second chance with a team like Vegas can turn his career around.
Kwity Paye

The Raiders acquired Paye in free agency this past offseason. Paye has been okay in the NFL. There's a bit of debate on whether or not he has justified his first-round pick value so far. I would say that answer depends upon who you ask.
He's great at setting the edge and does well in run defense, but his pass defense leaves a lot to be desired. For what it's worth, he's starting caliber and generally solid. The Raiders just need all the help they can get, and Paye should help improve that side of the ball.
Tre Tucker

Tucker has been alright in the league so far. To be honest, he hasn't really had a huge role in the Raiders' offense yet, but he is still good enough to carve out a starting role in year four.
Tucker had a breakout 2025 season with 57 catches for 696 yards and five touchdowns. They need someone to step up in that wide receiver room, and Tucker could be that guy. I think he'll have a bigger role this season than he's had in the past.