New Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has been on the job for over a month now, so he’s getting a better idea of what he’s working with. This is his first time being a head coach, and the Raiders are a unique organization.
While there are many things that could’ve surprised him upon taking the job, there’s one specific player who has stuck out to him.
“One guy that sticks out is watching Tre Tucker play football,” Kubiak told reporters at the 2026 NFL Annual Meeting when asked what has surprised him most since joining the Raiders. “He’s kind of everything that we’re about. Just his play style, how good of a teammate that he is, he’s one of those guys like Maxx. There’s about 25 guys that are there working out with A.J. (Neibel) four days a week, five days a week right now, so there’s already a culture of hard-working guys in our building, and he’s an example of one of them.”
Tucker is coming off a career year, with 57 catches for 696 yards. However, he has to prove himself to the new coaching staff if he’s going to continue to have a big role. It’s clear that he’s already made a strong impression on Kubiak.
Could Tucker Be a Breakout Star?
Kubiak loves speedy deep threat wide receivers, and Tucker is possibly the fastest player on the team. Rashid Shaheed is a similar player to Tucker, and he had a lot of success playing under Kubiak the last couple of seasons.
With the Raiders not having any big names in the wide receiver room, Tucker could have a major role in the offense next season. He’s clearly putting in the work to prove that he belongs.
Tucker has gotten better every season, and now, with an offensive-minded head coach, he could be ready to take another leap. He’ll be a player to watch this season.
Kubiak Wouldn’t Mind an X Receiver
One thing the Raiders offense could use is a dependable X receiver. Dont’e Thornton has the height to pull off the role, but he hasn’t proven he can be a consistent target.
Kubiak wouldn’t mind having a stud X receiver, but he’s going to play with the cards he’s dealt.
“I think everybody would love the traditional Megatron, X in their offense,” Kubiak said. “You don’t see those guys as much. I think you’re just trying to get your five best eligibles however you can get them and then go get ’em open on game day.”
The Raiders have met with Washington’s Denzel Boston, who is 6-foot-4. He’d be an exciting X receiver, but the team would have to hope that he falls to the second round of the draft. Adding him would make the Raiders’ wide receiver corps really interesting.
Right now, the group has a ton of speed. Jalen Nailor, Tucker and Thornton are three of the fastest players in the NFL. The Raiders could use a bigger possession receiver. If they can’t find one, they can rely on tight end Brock Bowers to line up at wide receiver from time to time.
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