With the Las Vegas Raiders set to open up the preseason this week, let’s get you caught up on some of the latest musings. In particular, what does Zamir White have in store for Raider Nation? Many fans have largely written him off, but he’s far from done. Furthermore, head coach Pete Carroll weighs in on his newest player and the state of the offensive line.
Zamir White, the “lost” Raiders tailback…
Last season, White was the focus of all attention. Following Josh Jacobs’ departure from the Silver and Black, White was essentially handed the job. Given Jacobs’ success, particularly in 2022 as an All-Pro and Pro Bowl running back, expectations were extremely high. Regrettably, things didn’t work out for White. Fast forward to the summer of 2025 and the depth chart isn’t treating him all that well. Ashton Jeanty, a rookie who is soon to become a superstar, and Raheem Mostert, a veteran standout, will form Carroll’s formidable duo. So, what is White’s position now?
White isn’t just climbing the Raiders’ depth chart, according to Carroll—he’s bulldozing his way up it. Carroll can’t stop grinning when talking about his bruising back, calling him “the hammer” for a reason. “I love having different styles of running backs. His physicality that we’ve been celebrating with him, and we tell him we like the way he runs,” Carroll added. “Don’t try to be something that you’re not. Run heavy and run thick and tough like he does. I’m really excited about what he’s done.”
While others dance and dazzle, White simply lowers the boom and dares defenders to blink first. It’s not pretty—it’s punishment. Maybe we wrote off “Zeus” too early?
Thomas Booker, the newest defensive tackle for the Raiders, is definitely not being written off—quite the opposite, in fact.
Pete Carroll weighs in on the newest Raider…
While much of Raider Nation is busy debating skill-position flash, Thomas Booker IV has quietly become one of the most intriguing pieces on the Silver and Black’s retooled defensive front. Carroll doesn’t hand out compliments lightly, yet he beams when speaking on Booker’s “motor” and relentless consistency. Translation? The transaction is not a headline-grabbing trade but rather a strategic commitment.
Booker may not have eye-popping stats (yet), but that’s largely because he’s been buried behind a stacked rotation, not because of any shortcomings on his tape. At 6’3”, 300 pounds, with the flexibility to line up across multiple spots, he brings the kind of plug-and-play versatility modern defenses covet. The coaching staff clearly values not just his physical gifts but also the intelligence and toughness he brings to a room that’s steadily getting nastier.
This move isn’t just about statistics; it’s about assembling a defensive front capable of winning tough games in December and making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Chief among those signal-callers are the ones who call the AFC West their home. You are welcome to underestimate Booker if you wish, but keep in mind that the Raiders view him as more than just a depth player. They perceive him as a high-energy, high-character competitor who quietly helps construct championships.
Now, regarding championships, we emphasize the importance of the trenches. However, what’s happening with the offensive line, specifically between Jackson Powers-Johnson and Jordan Meredith?
How will the interior shape out?
The Raiders’ offensive line isn’t merely holding the fort; it’s beginning to resemble a demolition crew. Carroll’s grin says it all as he observes Jordan Meredith and second-year powerhouse Jackson Powers-Johnson infusing some good, old-fashioned toughness back into the trenches.
“We look physical with those guys out there and they’ve given us a flash, but we’re just getting started,” Carroll explained as he addressed the media ahead of Thursday’s preseason opener. “It’s a long way to go for both those guys. JPJ has been at center most of his time, and Jordan’s been a guard most of his time. So, what are we thinking? You could ask, but we think we see something in this combination and we’re going to give it a look.”
Meredith is settling in at center as if he’s been preparing for a street fight, while JPJ—a center by trade—comes across as the type who wakes up and chooses violence as a guard. Carroll acknowledges that it’s early in the process and there’s much work to be done, but his intrigue is evident. A lot of the intrigue is due to JPJ’s natural position at the center slot.
People are clearly speculating about why this shuffle is happening. However, Carroll persists in hinting at a unique element in this combination, akin to a mad scientist who has recently uncovered a new formula for chaos.
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*Top Photo: Getty Images