Glaring example of why Raiders’ need to get better on offensive line

Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (92) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

While their is much excitement hat the Las Vegas Raiders' offense will take a major step forward in 2026 with the additions of new head coach Klint Kubiak and the expected drafting of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

There's no doubt, the Raiders should be on the right track with Kubiak calling the offensive plays and the with the potential of Mendoza. However, without better play from the offensive line, the Raiders' improvement will be small this season.

The Raiders' offensive line struggled in both pass and run protection in 2025. Check out this recent X post by NFL analyst Warren Sharp that illustrates how poor the run-game protection was.

% of RB runs that gained 0 or lost yardage:

26% - LV
25%
24%
23% - PHI, LAC
22% - CLE
21% - MIA, NE
20% - ARI, SEA, HOU
19%
18% - TB, NYJ, SF, PIT, JAX, DEN
17% - DET, GB, ATL, WAS
16% - TEN, MIN
15% - BAL, IND, NO, NYG
14% - CAR
13% - KC, CHI,DAL, BUF
12% - LAR
11% - CIN

- Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) February 20, 2026

Poor Ashton Jeanty had nowhere to run so often. It's major reason why the tema needs to add on the line in free agency.

In other Raiders news:

• FEED talk: Check out this FEED post and join the party.
• Big decisions: Pro Football Focus looks at big decisions looming for all 32 teams this offseason.
• Brown trade? Sports Illustrated thinks the Raiders make sense for Eagles' star receiver A.J. Brown.