The Las Vegas Raiders aren’t any strangers to vary, however the 2024 season pushed the franchise to a breaking level. After firing head coach Josh McDaniels halfway by the 2023 marketing campaign and turning to former linebacker Antonio Pierce because the interim chief, there was renewed optimism in Sin Metropolis. That optimism didn’t final lengthy.
Below Pierce, the Raiders stumbled to a disappointing 4-13 end in 2024, prompting one more teaching change. This time, Las Vegas opted for expertise—a long time of it. In a stunning transfer, the crew employed 73-year-old Pete Carroll to take the reins, making him the oldest head coach in NFL historical past when he steps onto the sideline in Week 1. Carroll, who inked a three-year deal, will likely be 76 by the tip of his contract.
Regardless of his age, Carroll brings vitality, competitiveness, and a confirmed monitor report of fostering player-friendly locker rooms. Recognized for his “win eternally” mantra and success with the Seahawks, Carroll now inherits a Raiders crew determined for id and stability. Together with Carroll comes quarterback Geno Smith, reuniting the 2 from their time in Seattle. Collectively, they intention to deliver professionalism and a sharper edge to a crew that lacked self-discipline and preparation final 12 months.
Las Vegas could now not be a league doormat, as Carroll may rapidly flip across the angle in Las Vegas. Whereas large names like Maxx Crosby dominate headlines for the Silver and Black, just a few under-the-radar gamers may make a serious distinction, significantly of their matchup with Dallas.
Tre Tucker
The Raiders additionally made a big addition to their teaching employees, hiring offensive innovator Chip Kelly as their new offensive coordinator. Kelly, recent off orchestrating Ohio State’s offense to a nationwide championship, is predicted to implement his signature uptempo offense constructed on tempo and explosiveness. One participant who stands to learn immensely is Tre Tucker.
Tucker, a third-year receiver, is suited to Kelly’s system. At 5’9” and clocking a blazing 4.37 within the 40-yard sprint, Tucker thrives out of the slot, the place his quickness and low heart of gravity make him practically unattainable to jam on the line of scrimmage. As a rookie, he averaged 17.4 yards per reception with a median depth of goal of 18.5 yards, showcasing his big-play potential.
Tre Tuckers greatest performs within the Silver & Black ️
What number of yards is he ending with this 12 months? ☠️ ☠️ pic.twitter.com/H9P3rrEHGf
— ShifftttyyyQB1 ☠️ (@raiders1022) June 10, 2025
Nevertheless, final season’s quarterback instability led to a extra conservative position, limiting his alternatives downfield. With Geno Smith now below heart and Kelly calling the performs, count on Tucker to reclaim his vertical position. Malik Hooker and Dallas’ safeties will should be able to defend the deep third as Tucker stretches the sector.
Malcolm Koonce
Whereas Maxx Crosby rightly attracts consideration as one of many league’s greatest move rushers, don’t overlook Malcolm Koonce, who has quietly developed right into a official risk on the other edge. A 3rd-round decide in 2021, Koonce broke out in 2023 with eight sacks and 23 quarterback pressures regardless of taking part in solely 44% of the defensive snaps. Sadly his rise was interrupted by an ACL tear; nonetheless, the Raiders confirmed religion in him, signing him to a one-year, $12 million deal for 2025.
Now absolutely recovered and in peak form, Koonce returns to a Patrick Graham protection that wants him. With lengthy arms, a relentless motor, and the flexibility to dip and flatten across the edge, he suits the Pete Carroll mildew of edge defenders—paying homage to gamers like Bruce Irvin or Benson Mayowa from Carroll’s previous groups.
Isaiah Pola-Mao
One other title to observe is rising security Isaiah Pola-Mao, who might be the Raiders’ subsequent breakout star. A USC alum and nephew of Corridor of Famer Troy Polamalu, Pola-Mao took a winding path to NFL relevance. Undrafted in 2023 and buried on the depth chart, he lastly acquired his shot in 2024 after a Marcus Epps damage and made essentially the most of it.
Pola-Mao recorded 89 tackles, 5 move breakups, and two compelled fumbles in his first 12 months as a starter, displaying versatility and intuition. At 6’4” and simply 205 lbs, he’s rangy and explosive, though nonetheless creating in protection. Very similar to his uncle, Pola-Mao’s largest asset is unpredictability—he strains up everywhere in the discipline and assaults from a number of angles. Carroll, who additionally coached Polamalu at USC, will know precisely learn how to maximize Pola-Mao’s Swiss Military knife talent set. When the Raiders face the Cowboys this season, don’t be shocked if a few of these underrated names are those making headlines.
