Putting together a hypothetical squad for the 2028 Olympics using only current Raiders
With the NFL’s recent announcement that players will be able to participate in the 2028 Olympics, there has been a lot of chatter about who could be on the US Flag Football team. So, let’s have some fun and put together a squad using the Las Vegas Raiders 2025 roster and a five-on-five format.
Quarterback: Tommy Mellott
While Geno Smith might be the first name that comes to mind, a 50-yard flag football field reduces the need for a strong-armed quarterback like Smith. Also, depending on which set of rules is being used, the sport calls for a shifty QB who can make plays with his legs, which isn’t the 34-year-old’s game at this point. Luckily, the Raiders just drafted a unique weapon in Mellott, who was known for being as good a runner as a thrower at Montana State. That gives the offense the dynamic play-maker at quarterback that the game calls for.
Center: Brock Bowers
Different from tackle football, the center is an eligible receiver in flag football. So, it’s important to get someone who can work the middle of the field, similar to what a tight end does in the regular game. Bowers’ ability to make defenders miss and create yards after the catch would be a huge asset to the offense.
Wide Receivers: Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, Dont’e Thornthon
This is pretty much chalk, except for going with Thornthon over Jack Bech. With Meyers and Bowers working the underneath areas of the field, the offense needs a couple of field-stretchers. That’s where Tucker and Thornton come in as the latter’s 4.3-speed gives him the edge over the fellow 2025 draftee. Plus, Bech uses physicality to create YAC, which doesn’t translate to flag football.
Rusher: Maxx Crosby
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images
This one is pretty obvious, seeing as Maxx Crosby is the best pass-rusher on the team. It also helps that he has experience playing as the rusher, having made the last four Pro Bowl teams and participating in a few of the flag football games during the All-Star circuit.
Cornerbacks: Darien Porter, Decamerion Richardson
After prioritizing a couple of speed demons at wide receiver, it’s safe to assume other teams would follow a similar pattern. To combat that, we’re going with a couple of tall corners who can run. It also helps that Porter (6-foot-3 and 4.3 speed) and Richardson (6-foot-2 and 4.34 speed) are good in man coverage, which is what’s primarily used in flag football.
Safeties: Jeremy Chinn and Jakorian Bennett
While Chinn is known more for his physicality than athleticism, he’s still a pretty good athlete who ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, had a 41-inch vertical jump and 11.5-foot broad jump at the combine back in the day. Also, the strong safety is good in man coverage against tight ends if opponents have their own version of Bowers at center.
Obviously, Bennett is a corner by trade, but Las Vegas doesn’t have many free safety options. Also, with a rusher on the field in the five-on-five format, the other safety spot functions more like a cornerback anyway. Plus, the Maryland product has plenty of speed (4.3 40) to roam the deep portion of the field if need be.
As mentioned in the intro, this is meant to be a fun exercise that can get the conversation going. So, what say you? Who would you want on your flag football team? Sound off in the comments section!
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