The Las Vegas Raiders are nearing the end of what has been one of the most eventful offseasons in the entire league.
Vacations are wrapping up and training camp is around the corner after a busy stretch that included a coaching search, a hectic free agency period, a draft process that netted them the top pick and several potential impact players and OTAs and minicamp that saw new systems implemented on both sides of the ball.
That’s not to mention the aborted trade that would have sent star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Ravens in exchange for two draft picks, a move that seems like three years ago at this point.
It’s just the right time to assess the work the organization has done this offseason to prepare for a 2026 campaign, which is a crucial year to building the foundation for what the Raiders hope will be a contender in 2027 and beyond.
Coaching: A
Klint Kubiak was the hottest coaching prospect on the market and the Raiders exercised both decisiveness and patience in identifying their target and then showing restraint when he kept winning with the Seahawks and wasn’t available until late in the process.
There is no guarantee Kubiak will be able to make a smooth transition from brilliant offensive coordinator to great coach, but he has put all the work in anyone could ask. And he comes from a coaching family, so he has been in the business his entire life.
Kubiak also showed an open mind in not only retaining some of the defensive staff, but also promoting Rob Leonard to coordinator, even though he has never called plays before.
Leonard is a great mind who has developed phenomenal relationships in the building.
Again, there is never a guarantee on coaches taking big steps up in terms of responsibility. But there are reasons to believe he will be just fine.
This is the staff they essentially wanted going into the process and they made it happen.
Offense: A
The hype has all been for Fernando Mendoza.
The Heisman Trophy winner and national champion at Indiana was the No. 1 pick and is unquestionably the quarterback of the future.
But the Raiders were able to do some pretty good work around him, too.
Landing Kirk Cousins to be a mentor and bridge starter until Mendoza is as fully ready as the roster arounwd him, was a very prudent move.
Cousins is a phenomenal leader with a similar personality who will serve as a perfect complement; someone who will compete with Mendoza while providing an example to follow both on the field and in the locker room.
It was an underrated addition to the quarterback room.
Tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty already were in place, so the organization knew the additional resources could be devoted to the offensive line and wide receivers.
Kubiak identified center as one of the most important positions in his offense and one of the best in the game just happened to be available. Tyler Linderbaum, who got a record-setting contract, makes the full group better.
His surrounding cast will be a mix of veteran left tackle Kolton Miller and a host of young players who need to step up.
There are plenty of options.
As far as the wide receiver room, the Raiders’ biggest investment was Bishop Gorman alum Jalen Nailor. The group still lacks a true alpha and doesn’t have a big, physical target, but there is the kind of speed and versatility coveted by Kubiak.
Defense: B
Crosby’s return helps for now, and the Raiders signed and drafted plenty of reinforcements around him to make this group competitive as they move to a 3-4 base defense.
There is a deep group of solid, yet probably unspectacular, linemen to try to anchor the line of scrimmage.
Veterans Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, former Georgia teammates, provide an immediate and desperately-needed upgrade at linebacker.
The secondary is going to rely on any of several newcomers stepping up to help returning corner Eric Stokes.
Versatility was clearly prized by the Raiders in the draft and former Arizona defensive backs Treydan Stukes and Dalton Johnson could play all over the field.
If fourth-round pick Jermod McCoy can not only play, but play up to his immense potential despite knee concerns, this grade would move to an A or even A+ very quickly.
Overall: A
This is not yet a roster that is a threat to win a title or even go deep in the playoffs.
But there is no question it is closer now than it was at the end of last season.
The front office and coaching staff actually seem to be in agreement on philosophy and timeline, which is probably the most important development in the organization.
Crosby’s presence definitely makes the team better. But the trade would have been a very good one for the future and perhaps even moved this grade to A+.
While he might still be moved, the Raiders may have to take less for him.
Either way, general manager John Spytek certainly accomplished most of his goals this offseason.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.
RAIDERS KEY DATES
July 23: Rookies report to training camp
July 28: Veterans report to training camp
Aug. 13: Raiders’ first preseason game vs. Arizona Cardinals
Aug. 18: Raiders joint practice with Texans, Houston
Aug. 20: Raiders’ second preseason game at Houston Texans
Aug. 27: Raiders’ final preseason game vs San Francisco 49ers
Aug. 30: Roster must be reduced to 53 players
Sept. 13: Regular-season opener vs. Miami Dolphins, Allegiant Stadium
