With the NFL Combine now finished, here's a recap of all the work I did while at the event. Clemson LB Trenton Simpson on Patrick Mahomes, AFC West: tinyurl.com/3a9a4eaf N.C. State kicker Christopher Dunn talks Raiders' All-Pro punter A.J. Cole: tinyurl.com/bdh27svu

When you’re 3-0 and cooking with all ingredients, there are no ‘low risk high reward’ trades involving would-be starters. Those exist when you don’t have much of anything to lose. It’s a bit of uncharted territory for the Raiders, but in 2026, they have a lot to lose.

Playing outstanding! Always a fan of a 5th round CB balling out!

It’s 4th time in last 13 seasons they’ve had 93 or fewer after 3 games

Mildly charted territory for the Raiders*

I can totally understand not being sold on the Raiders as some powerhouse after only 3 weeks, regardless of how great their wins are. But 3 dominant performances in 3 weeks to start the year = 20/32? The team they just absolutely obliterated down the stretch = 15/32? C’mon, man

Uncharted territory for the Raiders

Gotta win more games. I know, I know; it’s a team sport. And MVP is an individual award. But it is the Most ‘Valuable’ Player Award. And if a team isn’t winning, a great enough impact isn’t being made, thus no absurd value that season. It’s unfair at times, for sure. That said, Bryce Young has absolutely been ballin’. If the wins keep stacking up, he’ll get the love he deserves.

Man 😭

Can be spun into a hopeful sentiment: Team is moving the ball this well, scoring this many points, with plenty of room left to be even more efficient.

Raiders’ receiver moves: 🏈Signed WR Cody White. 🏈Placed WR Jack Bech on injured reserve. 🏈Waived WR Justin Shorter. 🏈Signed WR Phillip Dorsett to their practice squad.

Through 3 contests, the Raiders’ offense ranks: - 14th via red zone TD % - 18th via 3rd down conversion % Not terrible, but not as great situationally as you’d expect from a team that’s scored 26+ each week and stands 7th via PPG. Good amount of points being left on the field.

My big 3 takeaways from the 2026 Las Vegas Raiders’ season 1. I was wrong about 2 things — Kirk Cousins, and the team’s WR unit. The 2nd part of that may confuse some but I’ll get there. Firstly, there’s Kirk. In no way did I expect him to turn back the hands of time and operate an NFL offense at this high of a level, at his age, coming off of his injuries, seeing how his arm looked in Atlanta + camp/preseason in 2026. Okay; his arm hasn’t been what anyone should call impressive. But it’s proven to not be a liability, even after a Week 1 performance that seemed to make the opposite certain. He’s reading alignments well pre-snap, and largely, he’s excelled at getting the ball out quickly. Progressions look smooth. And this is where the WR portion comes into this — Kirk isn’t able to do these things, successfully so often, if his guys aren’t doing their jobs as well. Listen; I get it. The entirety of the WR unit has 26 combined catches through 3 weeks. One player is responsible for more than 5 catches. Not great numbers. But the unit has been so far from a liability. Legitimate assets, actually. That’s evident by the group’s 5 combined receiving TDs through 3 weeks, led by.. Cody White? Just what we all expected; another legitimate asset to the passing game. Even Dareke Young got involved with some trickery in Week 2 for a 27-yarder. Many would love to see LV add a player to the WR room who completely raises the ceiling, and I can’t say I’m an exception. But the floor of each player in this unit has been quite the pleasant surprise, and has already well exceeded my expectations. 2. Defense, defense, defense. And I think this is THE big one. The Raiders have scored 26+ points in each of their 3 games this season, paving the way to 7th-most PPG thus far. And yet, this is a defensive team. It just is. - 10 forced fumbles through 3 weeks (season record is 34) - 9 turnovers forced (avg 3 per game; lead league by 2) - 8th-least points allowed - T4th-most sacks (10) - T5th-least missed tackles Jeremy Chinn is playing the best football of his career. Kwity Paye / Malcolm Koonce are giving Maxx Crosby more than enough help off the edge. The interior is unmovable. Rookies Hezekiah Masses and Treydan Stukes have taken on big roles and found ample success. And Quay Walker + Nakobe Dean is without a doubt the best LB core league-wide throughout the first 3 weeks of the season. Worth every penny for those 2. This side of the ball has been even more impressive when noting the state of it all back in February. Patrick Graham gone. No linebackers. Big need at safety and corner depth. It seemed hopeless heading into the offseason. John Spytek and Robbie Leonard get the loudest applause I can possibly give, as do those on the field. 3. I think people would expect something about Klint Kubiak / other Raiders coaches to finish this off, but there’s no need. Big things were expected, and Klint & Co. have more than delivered. Quite impressive, but not exactly ‘surprising.’ Instead, I want to talk about Matt Gay. Never have I seen Raider Nation so unwilling to give a guy a chance. And he’s been nothing short of perfect since arriving in Las Vegas. 6/6 on FG attempts (1-of-8 kickers to kick 100% on 6+ attempts), 3/3 from 40+, connected on a 59-yarder (T2nd-longest kick hit in NFL this season), and has made it all look easy. There’s still A LOT of season left, but at this point, all you can do is top your cap to Matt Gay. “Automatic” is the only word to use here.

There’s been a few people throughout the week complain about the legitimacy of a roughing call when a defender lands with their entire body weight on a quarterback. Saw some Saints media guys question it, even. Here’s a PMT clip from over 6 years ago. No controversies there.

Yeah, man. Case Keenum is playing more reps this season. Congrats to him.

Case Keenum might play his way into a [place-holding] starting job elsewhere. it’s been an impressive day, against a talented defense led by an all-time defensive mind.

I have no idea why you keep spamming this to ‘stick it to me,’ much less with a twitter name asking a WR to save the team, but I want you to know, I’m fine with you doing it. Lol But it was true then. It was true last week. And it’s true now. Idk why you think it wouldn’t be.

Man of the people !

One thing I have to say: I know everyone views trading picks for a player as surrendering draft picks. Because.. well, that’s literally what it is. Lol. BUT, if you consider WR to be the biggest need on the Raiders’ roster, then you likely consider LV to go WR with an early pick. Needless to say, acquiring a player like Garrett (for example) eliminates that. And, more than that, completely frees up your first-rounder (in the event you’re able to keep it—shouldn’t be a problem). So, I get it. You’re giving up premium picks. But you’re actually freeing up your first-rounder in this exact scenario. Because you no longer have to feel handcuffed to the WR position early.

People just be saying anything ow a days ☠️ 3-0 #Raidernation #kicksquad