Which Raiders WRs Can Step Into Bigger Roles This Season

Wide receiver has been a problem for the Las Vegas Raiders for the last year or so.

The team does not have many proven options on the perimeter. If Las Vegas wants to have success passing the football, it will have to come from the tight end position for now.

Klint Kubiak is an intelligent offensive mind, but he can only scheme so much without the talent to scare opposing defenses. The team has not had much success passing the football during the 'meaningful' preseason snaps, something he wants to change.

Who will step up in the wide receiver room? Whoever it is, it needs to happen fast.

Which Raiders WR Will Emerge?

The most obvious answer would be Jalen Nailor, the big-money free-agent signing who had a defined role as a depth receiver with the Minnesota Vikings. However, Nailor hasn't had many opportunities as a top receiver, so we don't know what he'll look like in this role.

Nailor is undoubtedly talented, improving his hands during his years in the NFL and beating defenders with his speed. Kubiak should have a role for him one way or another, but the team would like it if he isn't limited as a pass-catcher.

Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak reacts during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The best-case scenario is that Nailor becomes worth the money the team is paying him, and he breaks out in a big way, expanding his route tree and becoming a serious threat to defenses in more ways than one. That hasn't happened yet, but the season hasn't started.

A Young Breakthrough

It wasn't the rookie season Jack Bech expected, but a new offensive system and better quarterback play should elevate the talent that made him a second-round pick last year.

Bech has impressive route-running ability and ball skills, but he wasn't able to show those off last season due to the poor offensive infrastructure. The Raiders are banking on him to take a step forward in the offense, which would be a big boost for their passing game.

The Raiders would love it if Bech developed into a true X-receiver, because it would take attention away from Brock Bowers. Somebody needs to step up in that room, and Bech is a prime candidate.

Other Candidates

There are no sure things in Las Vegas' wide receiver room, so someone will have to come out of nowhere.

Rookie Malik Benson has gotten some shine during training camp, and he's collected three receptions for 44 yards through two preseason games. His speed and big-play ability make him a prime candidate to be a serious threat in the passing game.

Tre Tucker, who enters his final season on his rookie contract, also figures to be a consistent presence again. It may earn him a second contract with the Silver and Black.

The Raiders would love it if Dont'e Thornton Jr. could provide more in his second season than in his rookie year, as he has the height, weight, and speed to be a serious threat in the passing game.

Las Vegas Raiders Dont'e Thornton | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

Las Vegas needs help in the passing game, or this offense won't get off the ground. We will see who steps up when the season kicks off.

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