In an unprecedented turn of events in the 2024 NFL season, tight ends defied expectations, with rookies and underperformers rising to the challenge. Brock Bowers, a standout rookie with the Las Vegas Raiders, emerged as the top tight end (TE1), showcasing versatility and reliability. Meanwhile, Jonnu Smith of the Miami Dolphins delivered a career-best season, finishing as TE4. Zach Ertz, now with the Washington Commanders, demonstrated he still has gas left in the tank, bouncing back from injury to post impressive stats. Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers made noise despite fierce competition, while Cade Otton from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed flashes of promise. Lastly, Mike Gesicki reinvented himself with the Cincinnati Bengals, proving doubters wrong. This year's tight end landscape was anything but predictable.

In a surprising twist within the NFL, the Los Angeles Chargers may consider trading for Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, who has seen limited action due to the emergence of rookie star Brock Bowers. The Chargers, in search of offensive upgrades, are eyeing Mayer to bolster their tight end position where Will Dissly has shown inconsistency. Mayer's potential to thrive in a new environment could provide the Chargers with an added edge.

Given Mayer's stats with only 21 receptions in his last season, the Chargers would need to weigh the trade cost against his growth potential. With the Raiders reportedly open to trades for him, it could be a win-win situation for both teams if the Chargers can strike a deal.

The Las Vegas Raiders have numerous options to address their quarterback issues ahead of the NFL Draft. The team is expected to use their No. 6 overall pick to secure a long-term solution, especially after parting ways with Derek Carr. Over the past two seasons, the Raiders have cycled through five quarterbacks and four offensive coordinators, resulting in inconsistent performance. With significant cap space available, there’s potential for them to draft and sign multiple quarterbacks this offseason.

One top candidate is Justin Fields, currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who impressed with a strong performance against the Raiders last season, helping the Steelers start 4-2. Fields has displayed significant upside, showcasing his dual-threat capability, which the Raiders haven't had in their quarterback room in years. His recent performance indicates he is capable of minimizing turnovers while still being a scoring threat on the ground.

The Las Vegas Raiders are eyeing a potential upgrade to their offensive line, with LSU's Will Campbell leading the draft's prospects. During the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Coach Pete Carroll highlighted the importance of collaboration in team building, particularly emphasizing the retention of defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who brings continuity and system familiarity. Carroll also spoke about the fundamental necessity of a strong running game to support the quarterback, stating that effective offensive strategies hinge on a balanced attack that mitigates pressure on the QB. He stressed that running the ball effectively is essential for controlling the game and supporting the quarterback's performance.

The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for the 2025 NFL Draft with a focus on bolstering their offensive line. With the sixth overall pick, they are eyeing standout prospect Grey Zabel from North Dakota State. At 6-foot-5 and 316 pounds, Zabel has showcased his versatility by playing four positions along the offensive line. His recent Senior Bowl performance has significantly raised his draft stock, and after a promising meeting with the Raiders at the NFL Scouting Combine, Zabel expressed excitement about the direction of the Raiders under their new coaching staff.

Analysts believe Zabel could be a prime candidate to replace Andre James at center, given his tough-guy profile and potential for growth. Although he has some limitations regarding arm length, his quick hands and agility are seen as compensatory strengths. With projections placing him in the mid-to-high first round, Zabel's selection could be a pivotal move for the Raiders as they look to solidify their offensive front.