Moe Moton
A veteran on the Las Vegas Raiders roster spoke about the team’s new culture and why it’s unlike any other organizational philosophy. Also, cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly may be inching closer to locking down a starting job.
Raiders Daily explores the shared vision of general manager John Spytek and Pete Carroll for the team and highlights a potential pivotal moment for an unheralded player.
Raheem Mostert Speaks on Winning While Rebuilding in Las Vegas
Since their Super Bowl 37 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003, the Las Vegas Raiders have been trying to re-establish a winning culture. Front-office executives, head coaches and players have come and gone through a revolving door over the previous 22 years.
Running back Raheem Mostert told Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitz and Caroline Fenton that the franchise’s direction under consultant/influencer Tom Brady, general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll feels different from any other team he’s played for in 11 years.
Mostert specifically mentioned the intent to win while in rebuild mode. Most teams choose one path or another, but the Raiders will try to do both to sustain success.
Ironically, Mostert talked about contributing to the franchise’s turnaround, but he didn’t suit up for last Sunday’s game. The Raiders listed him as a healthy scratch and opted to dress Zamir White and Dylan Laube as backups for Ashton Jeanty.
Regardless of the reasons to keep Mostert on the sideline, the 33-year-old running back has bought into the plan of the current administration. Still, it’s worth monitoring his status because teams that need a pass-catching running back may call the Raiders about his availability.
Read: Has One of the NFL’s Most Beloved Franchises Finally Turned the Corner?
Kyu Blu Kelly Remains No. 2 Cornerback on Unofficial Depth Chart
On Wednesday, the Raiders released their unofficial Week 2 depth chart. It didn’t feature any changes from the previous week, which indicates that Kyu Blu Kelly could draw consecutive starts at cornerback.
After the game against the New England Patriots, head coach Pete Carroll praised Kelly for his performance and recognized his hard work from mid-summer into the season opener.
Going back to training camp, Kelly has garnered attention as an unheralded riser on the depth chart, which helped him earn snaps with the first-team defense late in the preseason.
According to Pro Football Focus, Kelly allowed six catches for 67 yards and recorded a pass breakup in Week 1. He’s not locked in as a starter, though he could keep rookie third-rounder Darien Porter and Decamerion Richardson on the sideline for at least another week with a strong outing against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Under the bright Monday night lights at Allegiant Stadium, Kelly will face a Chargers passing attack that racked up 304 yards and scored three touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s set up for a significant prove-it moment in his career.
Read: Week 2 NFL Offense Rankings: Bills Rise and Lions Tumble After Opening Weekend
Raiders Linked to Free Agent Wide Receiver Tyler Boyd
Recently, Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s Vincent Bonsignore tossed out a free agent “name to watch” for the Raiders.
Tyler Boyd has inside-outside versatility. If Las Vegas signs him, he could take snaps away from rookie second-rounder Jack Bech.
Nonetheless, Boyd would bring veteran experience to a relatively young receiver room that includes two rookies (Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr.) and third-year pro Tre Tucker.
In 2024, Boyd suited up for the Tennessee Titans, hauling in 39 passes for 390 yards. He battled a foot injury that sidelined him for the final week of the campaign.
Read: 1 Bold Prediction for Every Game in NFL Week 2
According to Mark Kaboly, who’s the Pittsburgh Steelers Correspondent for the Pat McAfee Show, the Steelers were in contact with Boyd during the summer. The nine-year veteran has yet to visit with any team since his contract with the Titans expired in March.
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
