The Silver and Black just wrapped up a 3-14 season that honestly felt like a fever dream for most of the Raider Nation. If you were looking at the Las Vegas Raiders starting lineup back in September, you probably didn't expect to see Geno Smith leading the league in interceptions or Maxx Crosby ending the year on Injured Reserve. But here we are. It is January 2026, and the roster looks more like a construction site than a finished product.
There's a lot of noise out there about who actually earned their keep this year. People love to look at the big names, but the reality of the depth chart tells a much weirder story. Between the coaching carousel—rest in peace to the Pete Carroll era, which lasted about as long as a Vegas residency—and the sudden emergence of guys like Ashton Jeanty, the lineup we saw in Week 18 against the Chiefs was barely recognizable.
The Quarterback Quagmire and the Mendoza Factor
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Geno Smith is currently the top of the Las Vegas Raiders starting lineup at quarterback, but for how long? He’s 35. He’s under contract through 2028, sure, but 17 interceptions in 15 games is a stat that makes offensive coordinators wake up in a cold sweat.
The Raiders officially clinched the No. 1 overall pick for the 2026 NFL Draft. That changes everything.
While Aidan O’Connell and Kenny Pickett are technically on the roster, they’ve basically been relegated to holding clipboards while the front office scouts Indiana. Fernando Mendoza is the name on everyone's lips. The Heisman winner is the projected savior. If the Raiders pull that trigger in April, Geno becomes the world’s most expensive mentor overnight. It’s a weird spot to be in because Geno has the veteran "it" factor, but the production just fell off a cliff this winter.
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Who is Actually Blocking for Ashton Jeanty?
The bright spot? Ashton Jeanty. The rookie out of Boise State was a monster. He led all NFL rookies in rushing yards despite playing behind an offensive line that was, frankly, a disaster for most of the season.
The Current Trench Situation
The left side of the line is a bit of a rotating door right now. With Kolton Miller’s status always being a topic of conversation, Stone Forsythe has been getting the nods at LT.
- LT: Stone Forsythe (Holding it down, but for how long?)
- LG: Dylan Parham (Entering free agency, so this is a huge question mark)
- C: Alex Cappa (The veteran presence they desperately needed)
- RG: Caleb Rogers (The rookie who finally got his chance late in the year)
- RT: DJ Glaze (Developing, but still has those "rookie" moments)
Caleb Rogers is a guy you should watch. He was a 2025 draft pick that the previous staff seemingly refused to play until it was too late. When he finally got into the Las Vegas Raiders starting lineup, the run blocking actually started to look like professional football again. If the Raiders are going to rebuild, Rogers and Glaze are the pillars, even if they're still learning how to handle a bull rush from AFC West pass rushers.
The Maxx Crosby Void and the Defensive Identity
The defense is... complicated. Maxx Crosby is the soul of this team, but he finished the 2025 season on IR after meniscus surgery. Without him, the Las Vegas Raiders starting lineup on the edge feels a little thin. Tyree Wilson is finally showing signs of life—he’s got the physical tools, but the consistency still isn't quite where you'd want it for a former high first-round pick.
Then you have the linebacker corps. Jamal Adams and Devin White are the "names," but they are both hitting unrestricted free agency in March 2026.
If they walk, the Raiders are looking at a starting unit led by Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Lindenberg. It's a youth movement by necessity. Honestly, the secondary is in even weirder shape. Isaiah Pola-Mao has stepped up at Free Safety with Jeremy Chinn on IR, but the cornerback room is basically a collection of "who's that?" for casual fans. Darnay Holmes and Eric Stokes have been the primary guys, but with Stokes becoming a free agent, that room is going to look completely different by the time training camp rolls around.
The Skill Positions: Beyond the Stars
Tre Tucker has emerged as a legitimate threat. He’s fast. Like, "don't blink or you'll miss him" fast. With Tyler Lockett also heading toward free agency, Tucker is basically the de facto WR1 unless the Raiders go shopping.
Don't forget the tight ends. The "12 personnel" dream of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer was cut short this year because of Bowers' injury. But when they are both healthy? That is the only part of the Las Vegas Raiders starting lineup that actually keeps opposing defensive coordinators awake. Ian Thomas has filled in, but he’s another guy on the expiring contract list.
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Key Free Agents to Watch
- Malcolm Koonce: If they lose him, the pass rush is Maxx Crosby and a prayer.
- Daniel Carlson: Yes, even the kicker is a free agent. Losing Carlson would be a massive blow to a team that struggles to score touchdowns.
- Zamir White: With Jeanty taking the lead, White might look for a starting role elsewhere.
Where the Raiders Go From Here
The 2025 season was a mess, but it provided clarity. We know the offensive line needs a complete overhaul. We know the quarterback of the future probably isn't on the roster yet.
The Las Vegas Raiders starting lineup you see today is a placeholder. Between the No. 1 overall pick and a massive list of unrestricted free agents, the "Silver and Black" are about to undergo a total identity shift. The front office, led by John Spytek, has to decide if they want to build around the few stars they have (Crosby, Jeanty, Bowers) or if they are going to trade away assets for a total "scorched earth" rebuild.
If you're looking at the current roster, keep an eye on the "Reserve/Future" signings. Guys like Brenden Rice and Jamin Davis are hanging around for a reason. In a 3-14 season, everyone is auditioning for their jobs.
To really understand where this team is heading, you need to watch the coaching search. Whether they go with a defensive mind like Jesse Minter or an offensive specialist, the lineup will shift to match that scheme. For now, it's a waiting game.
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Actionable Insights for Raiders Fans:
- Monitor the 2026 NFL Combine specifically for offensive tackle depth; the Raiders need a franchise LT if Kolton Miller isn't the long-term answer.
- Watch the "legal tampering" period in March. If the Raiders don't re-sign Malcolm Koonce early, expect them to targets an edge rusher in the second round of the draft.
- Keep a close eye on Maxx Crosby's social media for recovery updates; his availability for the 2026 preseason will dictate how aggressive the team is in free agency.