Raiders OTAs: Brock Bowers, Fernando Mendoza & Early Standouts

Are the Raiders Finally Getting It Right?

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUNBQnF3NGhCMlQ4Ym5mSzFtLWhtWVhSc21jUXxBQ3Jtc0trellaZjhIUDVuWkk1N0F1OEtGQU5EYnkwOGJyYktmVlpwcW1DMzdEWGRrU1BCandTdDR6dHhyMnpzeV9QMVhrcDhPcWNQS2tpX0VTS19QRi03bExpY0ZVbTlKYWJ4NEZNUWtSbXpMV1puSEFPR05kZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Flink.prizepicks.com%2FLME0%2FSILVER&v=iHrM8l21oqc] For the first time in a long time, there's real optimism surrounding the Raiders. With Fernando Mendoza in the fold, Kirk Cousins helping bring him along, Klint Kubiak running the offense, and Rob Leonard reshaping the defense, the Raiders look very different than the team that finished last season. In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick is joined by former Raiders wide receiver Ryan Hoag for a big-picture breakdown of where this team stands heading into mandatory minicamp.  🏴‍☠️ Fernando Mendoza's development and situation 🏴‍☠️ Why Kirk Cousins may be the perfect mentor 🏴‍☠️ Klint Kubiak's offensive system 🏴‍☠️ Brock Bowers' massive potential 🏴‍☠️ Michael Mayer's role in 12 and 13 personnel 🏴‍☠️ The Raiders' wide receiver room 🏴‍☠️ Rob Leonard's defensive vision 🏴‍☠️ Taron Johnson's impact on the secondary 🏴‍☠️ How the 3-4 defense could evolve 🏴‍☠️ Ryan Hoag's latest "Hoag's Hot Takes" CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Offseason Overview 04:46 Kirk Cousins and His Impact on Fernando Mendoza 09:48 Klint Kubiak's Impact on the Offense 12:36 Breaking Down the WR Room 15:41 Importance of 12 & 13 Personnel 28:03 Assessing the Offensive Line's Strengths and Weaknesses 32:02 Transitioning to a 3-4 Defense: Key Considerations 37:39 The Importance of Versatile Safeties in a Modern Defense 41:37 "Hoag's Hot Takes" #Raiders #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #BrockBowers #TaronJohnson #RobLeonard #NFL #LasVegasRaiders #SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

What We're Learning About the Raiders Defense at OTAs

Use my code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SBSN [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2xSLVBxRVI4WnZuOTRZeFpKX20yNWNvWjJEQXxBQ3Jtc0tsT0tWbXZyNEl1WHJXV1lDamJsTXdDbTVGM2p3bWVUV0F6dV9jLXV6UFV4MlRxWlNyRXcyWnEwdjYyQ3pScE4zQ0VoTTdsdU5JbVNyRndlY1BkaWpXbVRCN0JBMW01YXFJSERDYUtUcy1YcWYyTEhibw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fseatgeek.onelink.me%2FRrnK%2FSBSN&v=lcggllu7GDo] Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount We're finally starting to get some real clues about what Rob Leonard wants the Raiders defense to become. In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick breaks down everything we learned from Rob Leonard, Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, Jeremy Chinn, and others during the latest week of Raiders OTAs.   What the switch to a 3-4 defense really means  Why, and how Rob Leonard's scheme may be more multiple than people realize  The role Maxx Crosby could play in certain fronts  Why aggression continues to be a major theme  Taron Johnson's versatility and how he fits  Jeremy Chinn and the interchangeable safety room  Jermod McCoy's man coverage ability and what that tells us  How Kirk Cousins is helping the defense improve  The biggest takeaways from practice The Raiders may only be in OTAs, but the vision for this defense is becoming much clearer. CHAPTERS LIST 00:00 CLUES ABOUT THE RAIDERS DEFENSE 20:16 HOW KIRK COUSINS IS HELPING THE DEFENSE 22:08 WHAT MAXX HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE STAFF 25:45 PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS FROM DAY 9 OF OTAs Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVdFbE4wdzJNSmpPVG9Hd0hGSjJLM2dKMUZYQXxBQ3Jtc0trTzh3TGd4a1d2U0Y2N01QNDRHaHVBOVQwT19URWlSQld5dko2cktsSmZZQXhnaGpIaVppWFY5UTRLN0RmWEpXajNrZkgzZWkzVWtWeGJsaDVaUDBkaFl3X0p1S2pTdlZCRjI1R2hkMW1mU0dMcFppNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Flink.prizepicks.com%2FLME0%2FSILVER&v=lcggllu7GDo] Subscribe for more Raiders coverage Silver & Black Sports Network FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3V6VWg4ZEcxa293QjZtRzJtZkZxbzNOZVhJUXxBQ3Jtc0trRHd2UjBFTGttUV9zVXp5cTUxc2wxY1JpaVBnM1NpTjFtSDZCdnp6dXZJZXNBWDJVTFdmNGlTTjFXMHpKWUc4VG5SZlVyVmJQV2FadHlueFA5bFJxUVJRTG5VWUhYSlNueHl0aDloUDYzRHZhM2pUVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2FSilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com%2F&v=zxmiwhQKrtI] Follow SBSN: X: S / jessesbsn Instagram: u / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: b / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjlqU0xJbzJkOGpzSFFRYW9qX3ZRSDh6eEx5UXxBQ3Jtc0trNFBZdmU2WjZLdjlTZU83eTZGaDhHWU9DdHczVTNLNkI0dEViVGNPNngtd0U2a2lfb0xMdDNldGw4cWpGXzdrYmpPMEJoeWMtM0s5VlBqQWctd3VZcjc0ZF9aVDd2OU02UVBGUVhVVDNoVUkxd1FmQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3F..&v=zxmiwhQKrtI] . #Raiders #RaiderNation #MaxxCrosby #RobLeonard #JeremyChinn #TaronJohnson #JermodMcCoy #NFL #LasVegasRaiders #RaidersDefense See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The Most Important Raider Nobody Is Talking About

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER Who is the most underrated player on the Raiders roster? In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick makes the case for one Raider who could be absolutely pivotal to what this defense becomes in 2026 — and it's probably not who you think. We dive into why Adam Butler may be one of the most important pieces in Rob Leonard's defense and how his versatility could unlock the entire front seven. We also discuss: 🏴‍☠️ Why Adam Butler's impact goes far beyond the stat sheet 🏴‍☠️ Taron Johnson returning to practice and what it means for the secondary 🏴‍☠️ Kirk Cousins vs. Fernando Mendoza and when the rookie might actually take over Plus, Jesse explains why Michael Mayer deserves consideration as one of the most underrated players on the offensive side of the ball and why Klint Kubiak's system could be a perfect fit for him. CHAPTERS 00:00 MOST UNDERRATED RAIDER 12:43 TARON JOHNSON SHOWS UP 19:40 KIRK COUSINS VS. FERNANDO MENDOZA Question of the Day: Who do YOU think is the most underrated player on the Raiders roster? #Raiders #RaiderNation #AdamButler #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #TaronJohnson #TreydanStukes #MichaelMayer #NFL #LasVegasRaiders See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

What We’re Learning About the Raiders Offense at OTAs

Use my code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SBSN [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SBSN&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1780016041000462&usg=AOvVaw0MS9gzo4aqwvofxzPy1vwn] Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Week 2 of Raiders OTAs is in the books, and we’re starting to get a much clearer picture of what this offense could become under Klint Kubiak. In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick breaks down all the biggest takeaways from practice and dives into what we heard from offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko, Tre Tucker, Tyler Linderbaum, and Brock Bowers.  🏴‍☠️ Kirk Cousins continuing to command the offense 🏴‍☠️ Fernando Mendoza’s up-and-down day and why teammates continue to rave about his mentality 🏴‍☠️ Brock Bowers getting open with ease 🏴‍☠️ Malik Benson continuing to flash 🏴‍☠️ Tre Tucker stepping into a leadership role 🏴‍☠️ The offensive line competition and Trey Zuhn’s versatility 🏴‍☠️ Why Andrew Janocko says learning the personnel is critical right now 🏴‍☠️ What the Raiders are emphasizing offensively during OTAs Plus, we dive into Aidan O’Connell’s strong day, the battles happening between Brock Bowers and Treydan Stukes, and why this Raiders offense already feels much more organized than it did a year ago. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Week Two of Raiders OTAs 07:18 Big Takeaways from Week Two of OTAs 17:12 How the Offense is taking shape Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFRjWU1TZzFubm5MNjJzbURQTEdudUh1R0ZOUXxBQ3Jtc0tsTzI2WXhqc0tZZ0o0QjU2NS11U1BPSkZpek8zbnMxc0ZmX2lpcHgtMWhNN2JmMEt4VGN3ZW9faVR2Z1o3NW9sVnNta2d1aGpnOVFFS3RwcEZIMEREZXYyTGRSRnRQNmV6NU1sY3h0YUpPdC1RNzE0OA&q=https%3A%2F%2Flink.prizepicks.com%2FLME0%2FSILVER&v=zxmiwhQKrtI] #Raiders #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #BrockBowers #TreTucker #NFL #LasVegasRaiders #RaidersOTAs See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The Raiders Finally Feel Like They’re Building Something

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER The picture is finally starting to come into focus for the Raiders. After rookie minicamp and the first week of OTAs, we’re beginning to see what John Spytek, Klint Kubiak, and Rob Leonard are trying to build in Las Vegas — and for the first time in a while, the vision actually feels clear. In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick is joined by Q Myers from Raider Nation Radio for a big-picture breakdown of the Raiders roster and how all the new pieces fit together. 🏴‍☠️ Fernando Mendoza’s development and how the Raiders are bringing him along 🏴‍☠️ Kirk Cousins taking command of the offense early 🏴‍☠️ Ashton Jeanty’s potentially massive workload 🏴‍☠️ How Brock Bowers will become the centerpiece of this offense 🏴‍☠️ How the Raiders pass catchers fit in Klint Kubiak’s scheme 🏴‍☠️ Treydan Stukes and the revamped secondary 🏴‍☠️ Jermod McCoy looking further along than expected 🏴‍☠️ How the defensive line impacts the linebackers behind them 🏴‍☠️ What Rob Leonard’s defense could look like in 2026 This isn’t just an OTA reaction show. This is a deep dive into the identity the Raiders are trying to build — and why this team suddenly feels very different from a year ago. CHAPTERS 00:00 Assessing the Team's Progress at OTAs 02:40 Revamping the Secondary: A New Era for the Raiders 05:43 The Future at QB Fernando Mendoza's Potential 08:37 Kirk Cousins: The Steady Hand in Transition 11:48 Building a Strong Offensive Line: The Key to Success 19:35 Ashton Jeanty's Potential Impact 23:12 Brock Bowers' Role 25:34 Analyzing the DL 29:35 Raiders' Aggressive LBs 31:57 Rob Leonard's Coaching Influence 35:10 Treydan Stukes: The Versatile DB 📺 Subscribe for more Raiders coverage Silver & Black Sports Network 📰 FREE Raiders Newsletter https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com 📲 Follow SBSN: X: S / jessesbsn Instagram: u / silverandblacksportsnetwork TikTok: b / silverandblacksportsnet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #Raiders #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #AshtonJeanty #BrockBowers #TreydanStukes #JermodMcCoy #NFL #LasVegasRaiders See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].