5 home-grown Raiders on their final shot in Las Vegas

USA TODAY Touchdown Wire · Jul 22, 2026 18:49 · 2 min read

Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) reacts during the game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With training camp set to open, these original Raiders are in a make-or-break situation in Las Vegas.

It's been a rough couple years for the Raiders. Several of the current players have been part of those struggles, many of whom are part of the reason for the struggles. If they would like to be part of the upcoming rebuild, they are going to need to come into training camp and this season playing their best football.

If they can't take a step forward or have new blood outperform them, they will either not make the roster or be out after this season. These are the Raiders home-grown talent that are on their last chance with the team.

T DJ Glaze (2024) – Round 3, pick 77

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle DJ Glaze (71) gets ready prior to the snap during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Looked like he could take a year two leap, but the aforementioned offensive line issues didn't do him any favors. If he can keep the job out of camp, he will get a legitimate shot to remain the team's starting right tackle. If not, there could be a a couple hopefuls looking to take his job.

TE Michael Mayer (2023) – Round 32 pick 35

Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) makes a catch in the second half against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Mayer was highly touted as a rookie second round pick out of Notre Dame. But after a rough rookie season, he saw the Raiders draft his replacement in Brock Bowers. Now he's a solid No. 2 tight end. He showed some flashes last season that he could deserve a larger role, but that would require a change of scenery.

G Jackson Powers-Johnson (2024) – Round 2, pick 44

HENDERSON, NEVADA - JULY 31: Jackson Powers-Johnson #58 and Jordan Meredith #61 of the Las Vegas Raiders talk during the team's training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on July 31, 2025 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Another highly touted former second rounder who has had a rocky start to his career. Bouncing back and forth from guard to center and back. With Tyler Linderbaum signed this offseason, JPJ is now settled at guard. But he will have to beat back some young talent the team has taken in the past couple drafts to keep his job.

S Isaiah Pola-Mao (2022) – UDFA

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 05: Isaiah Pola-Mao #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a third down stop against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

The former undrafted free agent was once a great story, earning a starting role after being a standout special teamer for a couple seasons and earning a long term extension. But the new regime selected two safeties in this year's draft, one of which could be his replacement.

DE Malcolm Koonce (2021) – Round 3, pick 79

Koonce streaked at the right time, putting up eight sacks in the final nine games of his third season. Then he missed a full season to injury in a contract year and re-upped for a season rather than go into free agency on a down note. A disappointing season in 2025 still earned him another one-year deal. Quite a lot of money he's earned based on one nine-game stretch.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: 5 home-grown Raiders on their final shot in Las Vegas

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