Raiders players who have helped, hurt their stock this offseason

Raiders players who have helped, hurt their stock this offseason The Las Vegas Raiders are on the verge of moving from offseason preparations into the 17‑game 2026 NFL schedule. After several months of work, the outlook for a number of roster members has shifted. Below are three players whose standing has risen during OTAs and training camp, followed by three whose expectations have taken a step back. **Stock up** Mike Washington Jr., RB – No prospect has generated more buzz after emerging from obscurity than the fourth‑round selection out of Arkansas. Washington began the offseason with questions about whether he could secure a legitimate backup role behind Ashton Jeanty, but he has since positioned himself to possibly cut into the former top‑10 pick’s snaps. General manager John Spyтек noted that defensive coordinator Klint Kubiak advocated strongly for Washington during the draft process, and the rookie’s early performance has vindicated that push. Even before Jeanty’s injury raised concerns about his early‑season availability, Washington was already climbing fantasy draft boards. Malik Benson, WR – Kubiak has been searching for a dependable playmaker from the wide receiver group. Benson was not the obvious choice, yet he has consistently shown up in practice and made plays on a daily basis. Although those repetitions have not fully translated to game action—Benson recorded a couple of drops and finished the preseason with three receptions for 44 yards—the sixth‑round pick from Oregon has done enough to create optimism that he can assume a sizable role as a rookie and beyond. The most encouraging aspect of his development is his ability to make contributions at every level after being used primarily as a deep threat in college. Tonka Hemingway, DT – It comes as no surprise that the defensive lineman appears to have taken a major step forward heading into his second year. Hemingway earned the staff’s offseason award, an honor given each year to the player who demonstrates commitment not only by attending every session but also by working hard in the weight room and uplifting teammates. That effort has surfaced on the field, where Hemingway looks quicker and stronger inside the trenches. He seems ready to assume a significant responsibility under new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, who previously coached him in the position. **Stock down** Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR – There was hope that Thornton could begin converting his considerable physical talents into greater production after a disappointing rookie campaign. Many believed he might replicate the type of second‑year leap seen in Hemingway. However, he has not yet received the opportunity to do so. Thornton suffered an early injury in camp and has remained sidelined. Consequently, he will open the season on injured reserve and is expected to miss at least the first four weeks. When he returns, he will have considerable ground to make up. Malcolm Koonce, DE – Now in his second season back from a substantial injury, Koonce entered the offseason aiming to recapture the explosive pass‑rushing ability he displayed before his knee procedure. Those flashes have been infrequent and scattered. Koonce signed a one‑year contract with the Raiders with the intention of proving he can once again be a dynamic edge rusher, potentially positioning himself for a lucrative deal later in the offseason. He still has much to demonstrate. Isaiah Pola‑Mao, S – After assuming a starting safety role in Week 4 of the 2024 season, Pola‑Mao has started 31 straight games. That streak now appears vulnerable. The Raiders invested heavily in the defensive backfield during the draft, a clear signal that the front office viewed the secondary as needing improvement. Pola‑Mao was immediately thrust into a competition, and his playing time is all but certain to shift as several younger players look ready to secure prominent snaps right away. Rookie Treydan Stukes was named the starting free safety on the team’s initial depth chart, which was released Tuesday.