Big things could be in store for these Raiders this season
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to rely on a handful of young players at several key spots on the depth chart this fall, giving Las Vegas a few potential breakout candidates heading into the 2025 season. So, without using any rookies on the roster, which five Raiders are poised to take a major step forward during the upcoming campaign?
Tre Tucker
With only 66 catches for 870 yards and five touchdowns to date, Tucker hasn’t been that productive during his three NFL seasons. But last year’s box scores didn’t accurately reflect the growth as a route-runner that the Cincinnati product displayed, which was primarily due to subpar quarterback play.
With Geno Smith behind center, Tucker could resemble one of Smith’s top targets with the Seattle Seahawks, Tyler Lockett. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Tucker double his career production in year three.
Michael Mayer
Another member of the 2023 draft class, Mayer also has an underwhelming stat line so far: 48 catches, 460 yards and two touchdowns. Spending several weeks away from the team while dealing with a personal issue last year, obviously, plays a big factor in those numbers. So, getting that situation squared away is one reason he’s in line for a breakout season.
Also, new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has a history of getting two tight ends involved in the passing game and has already praised Mayer, calling him “outstanding” during OTAs. Kelly’s offense should help unlock the Notre Dame product as a run blocker too, giving him a good chance to break out despite being on the same team as Brock Bowers.
Isaiah Pola-Mao
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
After rarely seeing the field defensively during his first two years in Las Vegas, Pola-Mao finally got significant playing time last season. He became a starter from Week 4 on, showing some promise that was highlighted by a 72.4 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus.
Now, the fourth-year pro enters training camp as a first-stringer for the first time in his career. And the Raiders are looking for a couple of safeties to step up after losing Tre’von Moehrig and Marcus Epps during free agency, creating a big opportunity for Pola-Mao to make a name for himself this fall.
Amari Gainer
Gainer is the biggest wildcard of all the players listed here. Last year, he went from being an undrafted free agent to a preseason standout who earned a roster spot, to a backup who rarely saw the field defensively (12 snaps, via PFF). There’s no shame in the latter, though, and Las Vegas’ thin linebacker corps creates an opportunity for him to have a big campaign.
The front office added Elandon Roberts, Germaine Pratt and Devin White during free agency to help replace last year’s starters, Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo. However, Roberts and Pratt are run defenders while White is best as an off-ball blitzer, leaving a void for a coverage linebacker. Gainer earned a 78.5 PFF coverage grade during the 2024 preseason, meaning he could be exactly what the defense needs on the second level.
DJ Glaze
Glaze certainly exceeded expectations as a rookie, earning the starting right tackle job in Week 4 and on. He also had plenty of impressive moments as a run blocker, earning a solid 68.4 PFF run-blocking grade that ranked 39th out of 76 qualifying tackles league-wide and was only 1.1 points behind Taliese Fuaga for the top mark among rookie tackles.
But the Maryland product does have some room for growth in pass protection, surrendering 51 pressures last year, the third-most at his position. The good news is he improved during the second half of last season, after James Cregg was fired, recording a below-average PFF pass protection grade in just two out of the Raiders’ final eight games.
Expect Glaze to take another step forward while playing for a new coaching staff this season.