One Raiders’ Position Battle Isn’t As Close as Some Think

The Las Vegas Raiders made wholesale roster changes across the board this offseason. Those changes led to increased competition at training camp, which will continue into the preseason and the 2026 season. Las Vegas' coaching staff has insisted that competition has taken place at every position.

The Raiders' front office added talent to essentially every position group on the roster, except tight end and punter, where they have two of the best players in the league at both positions. The roster additions have improved the Raiders, but there is still plenty to figure out.

Las Vegas recently released its depth chart ahead of its first preseason game. Thursday's exhibition matchup against the Arizona Cardinals will be the best look at Klint Kubiak's Raiders. They have a long way to go. They hope a new approach will lead to even more improvement.

Receiver by Committee

May 28, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) runs through a drill during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Las Vegas plans to handle their wide receiver position by committee. The position will be handled largely by Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker, and Jack Bech. Kubiak noted earlier this offseason that Bech is in competition with Dont'e Thornton and others, but Bech appears to be solidified on the depth chart.

Despite Kubiak's words, there is a decent gap between Bech and Thornton that was not there last season. While there is increased competition at the position, that competition comes from the group as a whole, more than from Thornton specifically.

Competing With, Not Against

Rookie wide receiver Malik Benson was drafted in the seventh round of this year's NFL Draft. He has already begun making more of an impact at receiver than many expected on draft night. He is also making that impact sooner than most would have expected.

Many players have had a strong training camp, only to fall by the wayside during the regular season, but Las Vegas' need at receiver and more productive practices will lead to more opportunities for Benson. Raiders wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni recently gave insight into Benson's development.

"Malik’s doing a good job. I'm pleased with his improvement, his progress. Long way to go. He's still a rookie, makes those rookie mistakes. But I'm pleased with his effort, his attitude. He's extremely coachable,” Azzanni said following training camp.

“He's tough. You do that, you got a chance. And he's improving every day, which is what I want to see. Slight improvement, steady, a little bit every day, and he's been doing that. So, I'm pleased with where he's currently at."

Las Vegas' group of wide receivers features several players who could push for playing time at some point this season. The Raiders will handle the position by committee, giving any and every receiver on the roster a chance to secure a roster spot and playing time.

If Benson can shoot up the depth chart, any of the other wide receivers can too. This should encourage and motivate the likes of Thornton and any other receiver moving forward. Azzanni believes Thornton has responded well to his ups and downs on the field.

"Same thing with Dont'e. I always tell our room that the tape is our resume, let the tape be our guide. So, all of those guys, if they have a down day, they got to come back and have a better day. We just press play. We evaluate it every day. He's had a couple rough days and he's bounced back and had some good plays here and there,” Azzanni said.

"And that's what we're looking for in training camp, we're installing all this stuff. Everything's not going to be perfect, but I am pleased he's got a great attitude. He's working his tail off. I saw some improvement today, which was good. We go day by day in training camp, so he's coming along like the rest of them."

May 28, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs through a drill during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With the Raiders aiming to supply their offense with as many capable pass catchers as possible, they will likely hold on to as many receivers as make sense. This should buy time for Thornton and others who hope to progress to develop further.

However, Las Vegas is sure to continue revamping the position group over the next few seasons. Time will tell how patient the front office and coaching staff will be with a group of receivers that is largely replaceable. The receivers currently on the roster must make the most of their opportunity.

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