Raiders heading into training camp: Worry areas

Not everything is settled

The Las Vegas Raiders’ veteran players report to training camp in exactly three weeks.

There is a lot to be excited about and expectations are high as team is trying to improve from a 8-9 2023 season (in which they won three of their final four games to cement Antonio Pierce’s future as the the head coach) and they made some key additions this offseason.

Yet, in reality (like most teams, there are some unsettled areas of the team. Here’s a look at some of the potentially worry spots:

The quarterbacks:

The biggest concern is, of course, that the Raiders begin the regular season September 8 at the Los Angeles Chargers in 69 days and we have no idea will will be the starting quarterback as incumbent Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew will battle during training camp and in the preseason. It doesn’t mean the battle between O’Connell and Minshew won’t be good. It’s just unsettling that their is question. Perhaps this won’t be a worry spot once the regular season commences, but it would disingenuous to say this isn’t a potential concern.

Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images

Top of rotation cornerback:

Jack Jones flashed after the Raiders claimed him off waivers from the New England last November. But, as assistant head coach Marvin Lewis said this offseason, he needs to find consistency. They are also in good shape with nickel Nate Hobbs. But they need someone to step up at a spot and young players such as Jakorian Bennett and rookies Decamerion Richardson and M.J. Devonshire may be asked to develop quickly. This unit is a work in progress and it may be fine. But it needs to stay healthy and some players need to step up.

Is offensive line truly set?

There is some change on the line as new position coach James Cregg takes over and the team will use a wide zone-blocking scheme now. There will likely be two new starters in right tackle Thayer Munford and rookie guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, who mostly played center at Oregon. Also, left tackle Kolton Miller missed much of the offseason after surgery. This unit has potential, but it must come together quickly.

Will they miss Josh Jacobs?

Josh Jacobs was a heart-and-soul type player for the Raiders the past five seasons. He departed in free agency, signing with the Green Bay Packers. Third-year player Zamir White is set to be the Raiders’ lead back. He played well when Jacobs missed the last four games of the 2023 season due to injury. White has to show he is ready to fully take over and be a consistent lead back for Las Vegas. He is surely capable, but he has to show he’s up to the task on an every-game basis.

The AFC is stacked:

The Raiders should be improved, but their is a lot of competition for the seven playoff berths in the AFC, starting, of course, AFC West rival two-time defending Super Bowl champion, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders may have to win 10 games to feel good about getting a playoff spot in the conference. They have a tough schedule as well. So, the season will be challenging.