The Las Vegas Raiders finished 3-14 in 2025, and no position group absorbed more criticism than the offensive line. But conversations with players and coaches suggest the unit may have developed several foundational pieces despite the losing record.

Rookie guard Caleb Rogers, a third-round pick, did not see the field until Week 13 against the Chargers, but he played every snap over the final five weeks and impressed teammates with his preparation and growth. “The timeline they had for me absolutely helped me,” Rogers said. “I told the coaches that I don’t think they messed up with me.”

Rogers joins second-year guard Jackson Powers-Johnson as potential long-term answers on the interior. Powers-Johnson missed time with injury but was praised by veteran left tackle Kolton Miller: “Right up until he was injured, he was really getting it, and he was starting to look really good.”

The Raiders also have Charles Grant, a 2025 draft pick who added weight and strength during the season. Miller noted, “He’s blowing guys off the ball in the run.”

The offensive line’s struggles were compounded by injuries. Miller missed 13 games after being hurt in a Week 4 loss to the Bears. The team also traded top receiver Jakobi Meyers and played much of the year without a fully healthy tight end Brock Bowers. Quarterback Geno Smith was sacked 55 times, tied for most in the league.

Despite the criticism, Miller defended the group’s effort and development. “It’s not the season we wanted, and I get it,” he said. “But there are constructive ways of looking at it, and then there is throwing crap everywhere and saying, ‘Look at this mess.’”

Players-only meetings that were reported as a sign of dysfunction were actually encouraged by the coaching staff, according to multiple sources. Miller confirmed, “It was something the coaches suggested and encouraged.”

With a new coaching staff led by Klint Kubiak and offensive line coach Rick Dennison, the Raiders will look to add a starting right tackle and perhaps an interior player in free agency or the draft. The return of Miller and Powers-Johnson, combined with the emergence of Rogers, gives the team a stronger foundation than many realize.

“I know a lot of people didn’t agree with the process, but honestly I thought it went great,” Rogers said. “My rookie year was great. I can’t wait for the next one.”