There’s already a strong feeling that one of the Raiders’ third-round picks will be an immediate starter after first days of OTAs
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted two players in the third round, and there’s already a strong belief that one will be a starter.
There’s been some really good work getting done at OTAs for the Las Vegas Raiders. Notably, one third-round pick could start immediately. There is still a long way to go, but one guy on the beat is reporting that’s what he’s hearing.
“Doing some digging around, there’s a real expectation inside the building that he’s [rookie OL Trey Zuhn] probably going to claim one of the starting jobs at guard,” Vinnie Bonsignore of the California Post said on Raider Nation Radio. “So what does that mean for Jackson Powers-Johnson? What does that mean for Caleb Rogers?”
The idea when he was drafted was that he would be part of that very large battle on the interior at the guard position. But at OTAs, he’s been starting at right tackle. Now, that doesn’t mean that’s where he will start during the season, but it’s certainly something worth noting.
“Yeah, really drafted Trey [Zuhn III] to be able to play a lot of positions, so whether it’s tackle, guard, center, he’s learning it all. He’s got everything between the ears to do that, and so we’re going to give him a chance to help us in all areas of the line,” Klint Kubiak told reporters after OTA practice on Wednesday.
When he was drafted, I immediately thought he would compete for the starting position at Guard, and even predicted he would win it. However, to hear it’s already trending that direction after just a few practices at OTAs is kind of wild. He will still have to win the battle over a few guys who all have some advantages over him. Spencer Burford, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Caleb Rogers, and Jordan Meredith are all fighting for two guard spots along Zuhn.
Raiders have great depth at offensive guard for the 2026 season
The Raiders signed former San Francisco 49ers offensive guard Spencer Burford, who has started 38 games in his career. Burford could provide valuable depth for the Raiders, who have dealt with many injuries on the offensive line. With 2,165 snaps compared to Rogers’ 284, he could also be a capable starter.
Burford had 32 blown blocks last season, per Sports Info Solutions, with 211 in the pass game and 11 in the run game. He ranked 14th among all offensive guards, despite playing just 550 snaps—nearly half of what others above him logged. At 25, Burford brings experience and familiarity with Kubiak’s system, plus a low-cost, one-year deal, adding competition to a weak position group. This move could spark a big impact or simply strengthen depth.
Rogers showed some really good traits during his short stint as a starter last season. JPJ is the guy I think takes the other spot. He’s far too talented not to be a starter as a former second-round pick. However, he has frequently dealt with injuries. Meredith was terrible at center last season, but in 2024 was great at guard as a starter. There are so many options, and it’s clear that no matter which direction they go, Vegas has good depth.