The Las Vegas Raiders are determined to ignite their offense this season, recognizing that a strong start is crucial for building momentum and avoiding a late-season scramble for wins. The team has made significant offseason moves to bolster its offensive talent, placing a heavy reliance on new Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly to orchestrate a successful scheme.
The performance of the offense will be pivotal, with the tight end position emerging as a potential cornerstone. The Raiders plan to feature a dynamic duo at the top of the depth chart, pairing highly-touted rookie Brock Bowers with impressive second-year player Michael Mayer. This one-two punch is expected to provide significant matchup advantages.
With the top two roles seemingly secured, a compelling battle is unfolding for the third tight end spot. Veterans Ian Thomas and Albert Okwuegbunam are competing with Qadir Ismail and Carter Runyon for the final roster position.
On a recent episode of the “Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast,” hosts Hondo Carpenter and Ezekiel Trezevant discussed how the team should approach evaluating this group during the preseason.
“I do not want to see Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer one series, that is it,” Carpenter said. “I want to see Ian Thomas, Carter Runyon, and Qadir Ismail get a lot of reps along the same looks.”
Trezevant agreed, adding that Mayer, in particular, should be protected after a standout training camp. “I do not want Mayer out there for even one series… Michael Mayer looks very impressive. Keep him under wraps until the regular season. As for the rest of the tight ends on the roster, go ahead and throw them out there and see what they have got.”
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