Guard play is where the uncertainty sits most heavily. At left guard, Spencer Buford is slated to start, yet his résumé doesn’t show a long track record of incumbency as a regular starter. On the right side, Jackson Powers-Johnson appears to hold the starting job for now. He shows promise as a former second-round pick, having flashed notable ability, but his spot isn’t yet guaranteed.
To add depth at guard, the Raiders recently claimed former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue off waivers. Cabeldue, who joined the NFL as a sixth-round pick last year, appeared in eight games as a rookie and recently spent time with Seattle before being released. He is familiar with the offense, given that he was coached by Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak last season, which could help him acclimate quickly to Las Vegas’ system.
The decision to bring in Cabeldue signals a desire for more competition along the interior of the line. He joined as depth ahead of the interior group, where the Raiders have been weighing consistency and performance at both guard positions.
Regarding Powers-Johnson, the right guard job is still technically open competition. The team has indicated that he is competing with Caleb Rogers for the role. Powers-Johnson showed real potential early in his career, and staying healthy while minimizing mistakes will be crucial if he hopes to cement a long-term starter role. A strong start to the season could validate his draft status and open doors for a contract extension, while a slump or significant errors could invite Rogers to seize the opportunity.
Tyler Linderbaum’s status as the centerpiece of the interior line remains a major confidence boost for Las Vegas. The newly secured contract and continued performance could make him a cornerstone for the Raiders’ blocking schemes. Linderbaum’s presence in the middle has been described as adding cohesion to the offensive front and delivering effective blocks in the run game.
Overall, the Raiders appear to be prioritizing upgrades and competition along the interior of the line while relying on Miller and Linderbaum as the stable core. The upcoming season will test how quickly Cabeldue and the competing guards can adapt and contribute, and whether Powers-Johnson can translate potential into consistent performance at right guard.
