Raiders open five training camp practices to fans

The quarterback competition is the main event

The biggest draw will be the quarterback room.

Kubiak has made clear he does not want the competition reduced to Kirk Cousins versus Fernando Mendoza. Aidan O’Connell remains in the mix after what Kubiak called a strong offseason.

“I would not count Aidan out,” Kubiak said previously. “Aidan’s had a phenomenal offseason. He’s a professional. He’s pushing Kirk. He’s pushing Fernando.”

Kubiak also said Cousins, Mendoza and O’Connell need work with the first-team offense.

“We’ve just got to give them reps and make sure all three of those guys get time with the ones, and it’ll reveal itself,” Kubiak said.

That makes every open practice more interesting. Fans will be watching the order, the rhythm, the command and how each quarterback handles the operation when the crowd is back around the team.

Mendoza’s next step starts in camp

Mendoza will draw attention as the rookie quarterback trying to push his way into the conversation.

Kubiak has said the Raiders will learn more about Mendoza in preseason games and against outside competition, including joint work with Houston. However, training camp is where that process starts in front of fans.

The key will not just be arm talent. It will be how Mendoza handles the huddle, the line of scrimmage, timing and the details of the offense when practice speeds up.

O’Connell gives the room tension

O’Connell keeps preventing the quarterback story from becoming simple.

He does not have Cousins’ veteran resume. He does not have Mendoza’s rookie spotlight. However, Kubiak has repeatedly brought him back into the conversation because of his offseason work.

If O’Connell keeps stacking strong practices, the Raiders’ quarterback math gets more interesting fast.

Defense, speed and the next wave

The quarterback competition will own most of the attention, but it will not be the only thing worth watching.

Kubiak has described a clear defensive vision under coordinator Rob Leonard: stop the run, limit explosive passes and take the ball away. The Raiders need to show they can turn those goals into an identity once pads come on.

The pass catchers also have plenty to prove. Kubiak praised Trey Tucker’s offseason, saying he “can just run all day.” He also pointed to Jalen Nailor, Brock Bowers and Malik Benson as players who stood out during the offseason program.

What fans are really coming to see

Open practices always bring energy, but this year’s schedule carries more weight.

This is Kubiak’s first camp. It is the first public look at a three-quarterback competition the staff insists is not settled. It is also the next step for a team trying to turn offseason slogans into something fans can believe.

The Raiders have opened the gates.

Now fans get to see what starts taking shape.