The Las Vegas Raiders concluded their offseason program on Thursday, with head coach Antonio Pierce canceling the final day of mandatory minicamp to reward the players with a day off.
After a month-plus off, Las Vegas will now turn its attention toward training camp in late July, as jobs and careers will be at stake. Most importantly, the Raiders will determine who starts for them at quarterback in 2024.
With mandatory minicamp ending and training camp on the horizon, let's run through our starting offense projection for the Raiders, which is something we haven't done since the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Raiders offense projection
QB: Aidan O'Connell
RB: Zamir White
WR1: Davante Adams
WR2: Jakobi Meyers
WR3/Slot: Brock Bowers
TE: Michael Mayer
LT: Kolton Miller
LG: Jackson Powers-Johnson
C: Andre James
RG: Dylan Parham
Though most projections have veteran Gardner Minshew penciled in as the starting quarterback, second-year signal-caller Aidan O'Connell provides more upside and gives Vegas a higher ceiling as a team. The 25-year-old tossed 12 touchdowns to seven interceptions last season in ten starts and posted a 5-5 record.
Minshew is the more experienced player and nearly helped the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs last season, but his story is already written, whereas O'Connell has the potential to be the Raiders' long-term answer at the position.
Zamir White is set to take over as Las Vegas' lead back after the departure of Josh Jacobs in free agency. White flashed his fascinating blend of speed and power in 2023, rushing for over 100 yards in two of his four starts and averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Alexander Mattison will also see some touches in offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's offense, but all signs point to White being the starter.
Brock Bowers will have an intriguing role in the Raiders' offense this season. With his versatility to play in the slot, I expect Bowers to play a fair share of his snaps there and be primarily used in the passing attack. Obviously, Tre Tucker will also get some looks in the slot, as his speed and explosiveness can't be wasted on the sideline. Michael Mayer will be used in-line when Vegas needs an extra blocker, though he should also get looks in the passing game.
On Wednesday, Raiders offensive line coach James Cregg stated that the team is moving Dylan Parham back to right guard. With Parham's switch to the right side, second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson will likely play left guard. The 21-year-old played just 27 snaps on the left side in his collegiate career, but his versatility could make a difficult transition look seamless.
Las Vegas' right tackle situation will be the weakness of the offense this season if Thayer Munford Jr. doesn't take a step forward in 2024.
Though Cregg believes that Munford Jr. fits better on the left side, Las Vegas will keep him at right tackle in hopes that he develops into a solid starter. Rookie DJ Glaze is also in the mix on the right side, but as it stands currently, Munford Jr. will be anchoring the right side of the Raiders' offensive line alongside Parham.
