HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Las Vegas Raiders used the offseason to build optimism for the future.
Besides hiring Klint Kubiak to be their head coach, the Raiders were aggressive in free agency to fill multiple position needs with quality players who are still in the prime of their careers. Las Vegas added more hope for the future with a 10-player draft class, highlighted by first overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
With the Raiders set to report for training camp on July 28, here's a look at how their roster changed this offseason, including a verdict on whether each position group got better, worse, or stayed the same as a result of those moves.
(The Raiders' full depth chart can be found here.)
Fernando Mendoza will be protected by an improved Raiders' offensive line. Will it be enough? Ethan Miller/Getty Images Quarterback Notable subtractions: Geno Smith (traded to New York Jets), Kenny Pickett (one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Carolina Panthers) Notable additions: Fernando Mendoza (first-round pick), Kirk Cousins (one-year, fully guaranteed $20 million deal that also contains a club option for two years at $80 million) Better, worse or the same? Better
The Raiders have a short- and long-term plan at quarterback, which is something they haven't had in quite some time. Cousins allows Las Vegas to be patient with Mendoza, and lessens its need to play the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner right away. The four-time Pro Bowler has familiarity with Kubiak's system, and his experience could be beneficial to Mendoza's growth, as well.
Mendoza is the first quarterback the Raiders drafted in the first round since 2007, and rightfully so. In his lone season at Indiana, he threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions while leading his team to victories in the Big Ten and College Football Playoff National Championship. Mendoza has shown he can be a good decision-maker and handle high-pressure situations. Of course, Mendoza has to adjust to playing under center, but it's not a task he cannot handle.
Running back
Notable subtractions: Zamir White, Raheem Mostert Notable additions: Mike Washington Jr. (fourth-round pick) Better, worse or the same? Better
Ashton Jeanty's rookie season might be considered underwhelming by most. And yet, he still finished with 1,321 yards from scrimmage, including 975 rushing, and 10 total touchdowns. Las Vegas is expected to have better coaching under Kubiak, and the offensive line should be improved, as well. With that said, Jeanty has a strong chance to have improved numbers and consistent production in Year 2.