The 2026 Las Vegas Raiders are entering training camp with an identity still very much in flux under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek. While the team has made splashy additions at quarterback with Kirk Cousins and in the backfield with second-year Ashton Jeanty, the single most critical area for this offense to take a step forward might be the men in the trenches. Based on the current roster composition, the Raiders' offensive line is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing competitions of the summer.
According to Bill Williamson of Silver and Black Pride, the only players whose starting spots are "set in stone" are left tackle Kolton Miller and center Tyler Linderbaum. That leaves three other spots--left guard, right guard, and right tackle--wide open for the taking. For a team that finished middle of the pack in sacks allowed last season but wants to maximize Cousins' final window and Jeanty's explosive running ability, these battles carry enormous weight.
The Anchors: Miller and Linderbaum
Let's start with what's certain. Kolton Miller remains the franchise left tackle, a pillar of consistency who has quietly been one of the more reliable blind-side protectors in the league. At 30 years old, he's still in his prime and provides a level of stability that allows the coaching staff to focus their energy elsewhere.
At center, Tyler Linderbaum was acquired to be the fulcrum of this offensive line. His arrival immediately stabilized the interior, giving the Raiders a pivot point who can handle assignments, make line calls, and execute the zone-blocking concepts that Kubiak's offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko is expected to favor. Linderbaum's ability to reach the second level and combo block will be critical for springing Jeanty on outside zone runs.
With those two locked in, the Raiders can build around them. But the supporting cast is very much a work in progress.
The Left Guard Battle: Trey Zuhn III vs. Atonio Mafi vs. Jackson Powers-Johnson
The most compelling battle on the interior might be at left guard. Trey Zuhn III is listed on the roster as a center, but versatility could be his ticket onto the field. If the coaching staff decides they want the best five linemen regardless of position, Zuhn's athleticism and experience in college at left tackle could translate well to guard. His ability to pull and get to the second level fits perfectly in a scheme that will likely ask guards to move.
However, Zuhn faces stiff competition from Atonio Mafi and Jackson Powers-Johnson. Mafi is a powerful, road-grading guard who can create movement in the run game. If the Raiders want to lean into a power-running identity with Jeanty, Mafi's mauling style could win the job. Powers-Johnson, meanwhile, was drafted with the expectation that he could develop into a starter quickly. He has positional flexibility across the interior and is likely the front-runner to start somewhere--whether at left guard or right guard.
This battle will come down to who best complements Linderbaum's style and who can hold up in pass protection. Cousins is not the most mobile quarterback, so the interior pocket must be clean.
Right Guard: Spencer Burford vs. Jackson Powers-Johnson (or Caleb Rogers)
Spencer Burford arrived as a veteran addition with starting experience. He's a technician who understands angles and leverage, but he has had inconsistency issues in his career. If he's locked in and confident, he could lock down the right guard spot. But the Raiders also have Jackson Powers-Johnson as a candidate here, and second-year Caleb Rogers provides developmental upside.
The right guard battle is really about continuity. The Raiders' offensive line coach will be looking for a duo on the right side that can work in concert with the right tackle. Whichever guard wins the job must be able to handle stunts and twists, particularly if the right tackle is a younger, less experienced player.
Right Tackle: DJ Glaze vs. Charles Grant vs. Laki Tasi
Perhaps the most wide-open competition is at right tackle. DJ Glaze has starting experience and is the favorite entering camp. He's a physical, aggressive blocker who excels in the run game but can sometimes be beaten by speed rushers on the edge. If he has improved his pass sets and technique, he could solidify himself as the long-term answer.
Charles Grant is a developmental prospect with intriguing athletic traits. He has the length and footwork teams look for in a starting tackle, but he needs to put it all together. Laki Tasi is another option, though he may be more of a swing tackle or depth piece at this point.
The Raiders also have Dalton Wagner on the roster, though he is likely competing for a reserve role. The winner of this job will be the guy assigned to protect Cousins' blind side on passing downs--a role Klint Kubiak and the offensive staff cannot afford to get wrong.
Depth and Flexibility
Beyond the starting five, the Raiders have intriguing depth pieces. Jordan Meredith provides experienced interior depth at center and guard. Will Putnam is a camp body with a chance to show something, while Justin Pickett and Caleb Rogers offer youth and development potential.
One name to watch is Trey Zuhn III. If he doesn't win the left guard job, his ability to play both center and guard makes him an invaluable utility lineman who could be active on gamedays. The Raiders will likely carry eight or nine offensive linemen on the initial 53-man roster, so the competition for the final two or three spots will be fierce.
Scheme Fit and Coaching Implications
Klint Kubiak's offense is expected to incorporate a heavy dose of outside zone, play-action, and quick passing concepts. That means the offensive line must be athletic, assignment-sound, and capable of climbing to the second level. The guards need to be able to reach linebackers, and the tackles must be able to cut off backside pursuit.
This scheme does not require elite athletes across the board--it requires precision and toughness. The competition at each position is designed to find the five players who best execute the system, not necessarily the five most talented individuals.
General manager John Spytek has clearly invested in this unit. By keeping Miller, trading for Linderbaum, and adding veterans like Burford, the Raiders are betting that improved play up front will elevate the entire offense. If the line can create consistent running lanes for Jeanty and give Cousins time in the pocket, the Raiders could surprise some people in a competitive AFC West.
The Bottom Line
The Raiders enter 2026 with a clear hierarchy on the offensive line: Miller and Linderbaum are the untouchables. Everything else is up for grabs. The competition between Trey Zuhn III, Atonio Mafi, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Spencer Burford, DJ Glaze, and Charles Grant will be one of the defining storylines of training camp.
By the time Week 1 rolls around, the Raiders need to have their best five on the field. The margin for error in the NFL is razor-thin, and the offensive line is where games are won and lost. With a new coaching staff and a revamped roster, the Las Vegas Raiders are betting that the answers to their offensive questions lie in the trenches. This competition isn't just about who starts--it's about whether this team can finally build a foundation that lasts.