Dylan Laube keeps earning the Las Vegas Raiders‘ trust, and Klint Kubiak explained why his versatility, work ethic and special teams impact make him so valuable.
The Raiders named running back Ashton Jeanty, defensive end Maxx Crosby and Dylan Laube as captains for this week’s game. Kubiak explained the selections at Friday’s press conference, saying captains are rotated weekly and chosen on the body of work. He described all three as leaders who do things the right way and said he is excited for each of them.
Laube is one of the first two-time captains of the season, and Kubiak used that to talk about what the versatile player brings. The coach stressed that versatility is key. A player who can handle four core special teams units and produce on his own side of the ball has real value in this league, Kubiak said. He credited Laube’s work ethic, his professionalism and his character and added that as Laube makes plays, expectations for him grow.
The Raiders are putting a lot of faith in Dylan Laube…
The captain selections give a clear read on who the staff trusts. Crosby anchors the defense, and Jeanty is the offensive centerpiece, so their inclusion is no surprise. Laube’s repeat selection is the notable part, because it signals a role that reaches well beyond the end of the depth chart.
Related: Maxx Crosby continues to set the standard for the Raiders’ defense
Players who contribute across four special teams units and offense are valuable on a roster with limited spots. That kind of flexibility lets a team carry an extra specialist or a deeper group at another position. It also makes a player more cost-effective, since his production comes from several phases rather than one. If Laube keeps stacking plays, his usage on offense or in the return game could grow along with his standing in the locker room.
If Laube’s production holds, expect Kubiak to lean on him in more situational roles and for his name to come up whenever extension talk begins.
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