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By Keagan Stiefel
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The Las Vegas Raiders spent their last couple of first-round picks on Fernando Mendoza (No. 1 in 2026) and Ashton Jeanty (No. 6 in 2025).
If they felt confident spending such high value picks on players whose success will at least in part rely on the offensive line, they must have an awesome offensive line… right?
No, not quite.
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Geno Smith (55), Aiden O’Connell (8), and Kenny Pickett (1) were sacked more than any other quarterback trio last season. Ashton Jeanty (1.6) averaged the second fewest yards before contact of any running back. Stone Forsythe, Dylan Parham, Jordan Meredith, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Delmar Glaze made up the worst offensive line in the entire league, which is why the organization made wholesale changes this offseason.
Kolton Miller is healthy and will be back at left tackle. Spencer Burford was signed to play along the interior. Tyler Linderbaum was inked to a big-money contract and is perhaps now the most important player on the roster:
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IOL Tyler Linderbaum
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 305lbs
Age: 26
Contract: 3yr, $81M
2025: 17 G, 1,007 SNAPS, 2 SK ALWD
Linderbaum’s presence has already made for quite the difference in LV.
“I don’t think anyone won’t benefit from Tyler,” Las Vegas offensive line coach Rick Dennison said. “He’s done a really good job. He’s athletic, he leads, he does all the drills.”
The Raiders built things from the inside out, with their investment in the three-time Pro Bowler tying back to their investments in both Jeanty and Mendoza.
If the quarterback and running back are going to have long-term success, they’re going to need to be supported by a steady offensive line. Las Vegas general manager John Spytek has gotten the ball rolling on that, with four starting options now under contract for the next two seasons.
Linderbaum is the most important of the bunch, as he will set the protections, identify pressure, and serve as an active communicator for Mendoza, while his athleticism and ability to correct others will hopefully unlock the potential of Jeanty.
Las Vegas is certainly hoping for big things out of new head coach Klint Kubiak, quarterback Kirk Cousins, linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, and pass-rusher Kwity Paye, but the most important newcomer is undoubtedly Linderbaum.
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