The pads aren't on yet. The playbook is still a foreign language for many. But if the first rookie minicamp under new head coach Klint Kubiak is any indication, the Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 rookie class is already wired the right way.
According to a report from the team's official site, the Raiders' rookies completed their first minicamp this week with a singular mantra: rally together, embrace the grind, and leave no doubt about their commitment. While the energy of Day 1 of an NFL career is always electric, what stood out most was the focused, no-nonsense approach these young players brought to the field.
"We're always trying to rally together," one rookie told Raiders.com. "It's a brotherhood. We're all in this together, and we're just trying to get better every single day."
That sentiment was echoed across the practice fields in Henderson, where the Raiders' newest additions--headlined by first-round running back Ashton Jeanty and a host of intriguing skill position players--got their first taste of life in the NFL. No glamour. No shortcuts. Just work.
Setting the Tone Under Kubiak
Klint Kubiak, who took over as head coach this offseason after the departure of the previous leadership, has preached accountability and toughness from day one. For this rookie class, that message is being internalized immediately.
The minicamp wasn't about installing complex schemes or evaluating who can run the fastest 40-yard dash time. It was about teaching these players how to be professionals. From the way they take notes in meetings to the way they hydrate and recover between practices, everything is being evaluated.
"We want to build a foundation," Kubiak said, per the team's report. "This is the first step. It's about establishing habits and showing these guys what it means to be a Raider."
That foundation starts with the rookies, and early returns have been positive. The coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko and defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, has been impressed with the retention and urgency shown by the group.
Ashton Jeanty: The Headliner
All eyes were naturally on Ashton Jeanty, the dynamic running back out of Boise State whom the Raiders selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Jeanty was electric in college, and he's already showing flashes of the same explosiveness in the pros.
During minicamp, Jeanty drew praise for his work ethic and leadership--uncommon traits for a rookie who hasn't even played a preseason snap. He was frequently seen helping younger players line up correctly, offering advice after reps, and absorbing coaching like a sponge.
"He's a pro's pro already," one team source noted. "He doesn't act like a rookie. He acts like a guy who's been doing this for years."
With a running back room that includes Chris Collier, Dylan Laube, and others, Jeanty is expected to be the bell cow from day one. His ability to contribute in the passing game and as a blocker--not just as a runner--will make him a central figure in Janocko's offense.
Jack Bech and the Receiving Corps Shine
The Raiders also got their first look at wide receiver Jack Bech, the TCU product who fell to Day 3 of the draft but has been turning heads ever since. Bech brings physicality and reliable hands, and he wasted no time building chemistry with the quarterbacks on the roster.
He was one of the standouts of the minicamp, per the report, making several contested catches and showing strong route-running ability. With a wide receiver depth chart that includes Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker, and Brenden Rice, Bech is making a strong case for early playing time.
Also present was tight end Brock Bowers, who is entering his third season but participated in drills alongside the rookies. Bowers continues to evolve as a weapon, and his presence alongside Michael Mayer gives the Raiders one of the more dynamic tight end duos in the league.
"It's fun to watch these young guys compete," Bowers said. "They're hungry, and that's what you want."
Defensive Newcomers Make Noise
It wasn't all about the offense. The Raiders' rookie defenders also made their presence felt during minicamp. Cornerback Jermod McCoy and safety Treydan Stukes both flashed in coverage, while defensive tackle JJ Pegues showed the kind of disruptive interior presence that general manager John Spytek targeted in this year's draft.
The linebacker group, which includes veteran additions like Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, is getting an injection of youth with rookies Xavian Sorey Jr. and Chris Thomas. Both players showed sideline-to-sideline range during drills and earned praise from the defensive backs coach for their ability to diagnose plays.
"You can see the football IQ," one coach said. "These guys aren't just athletes--they're thinkers. That's going to help them get on the field faster."
Building a Brotherhood
Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway from the minicamp wasn't a single play or drill, but the culture being built. Multiple rookies were quoted emphasizing the importance of unity and shared purpose.
"We're all coming from different places, different systems, but we're here for one reason: to help this team win," one unnamed rookie said. "We're always trying to rally together. That's what makes this group special."
That brotherhood will be tested when training camp begins and the veterans return. But for now, the foundation is being laid.
What's Next
The Raiders will now break for a few weeks before the full team returns for OTAs. During that time, the rookies will be expected to continue learning the playbook remotely and stay in peak physical condition. The team has already distributed iPads loaded with installs and meeting recordings.
From a roster perspective, the Raiders are in an interesting spot. They have a veteran quarterback in Kirk Cousins, a young signal-caller in Aidan O'Connell, and a stable of skill players that could be among the most explosive in the AFC. The rookies' ability to contribute early will be critical, especially at positions like running back, receiver, and defensive back.
If this minicamp is any guide, they're more than ready to answer the call.
Final Word
Minicamps in May are often dismissed as glorified walkthroughs. But for a team trying to build a new identity under a new coaching staff, every rep matters. The Las Vegas Raiders' rookies have embraced that reality from the moment they stepped on the field.
"We're always trying to rally together."
If that mentality sticks, Silver and Black fans might have a lot to look forward to in 2026.
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