Identifying specific trends from NFL teams can take a fair amount of time. That is especially true when considering new regimes once they get their shot in a new place. At the same time, some of the more impactful difference making trends may be an item that teams tap into a fourth of the time throughout the season.
For the Las Vegas Raiders, there are plenty of new faces going into 2026. The Raiders are once again starting over with a new head coach. Klint Kubiak gets his first ever shot in that capacity. After a surprisingly positive season with the Seattle Seahawks, there are different areas to pull from with Kubiak. But with his attack, the condensed nature is what may potentially improve Las Vegas' offense.
Could the Raiders dive into more snaps with 22 personnel in 2026? With sets of two running backs and two tight ends, this could emphasize the best weapons within Las Vegas' offense.
Seahawks finish top 10 in 22 personnel usage for 2025
Last season under Kubiak, the Seahawks were 8th in 22 personnel usage. They did so with 6.8 percent of their total snaps. Obviously, that is not an incredibly high percentage. It did allow Seattle to mix and match their running backs and tight ends inside of distinct areas of the field, though.
On the flip side, the Raiders were in 22 personnel on just two total plays last season. That checked in at 0.21 percent of their total snaps in 2025, ranking 22nd in the NFL. By no means did that lack of offensive package attribute to the average season, at best, for Ashton Jeanty. However, Jeanty was unable to really display the top traits that made him a top-10 pick.
Sneaky free agent addition may be bargain for Raiders
This particular jumbo set of 22 personnel could be utilized more occasionally by Las Vegas in 2026. A key part of this is the free agent addition of FB/TE hybrid Connor Heyward. Heyward can offer a versatile package as a lead blocker and short yardage piece. Moreover, he caught 35 combined passes in his first two career seasons.
Can Heyward help open up more opportunistic running lanes for someone like Jeanty? If so, Jeanty will hope to find the consistency he failed to reach in 2025. Jeanty's strong base, low center of gravity, and ability to make defenders miss fits in so well with those condensed formations. Meanwhile, the Raiders could spell Jeanty when needed. Rookie Mike Washington Jr. presents a similar running style that Las Vegas would tap into.
Raiders possess deep tight end room
Overall, the Raiders have a luxury with their tight ends. Brock Bowers is arguably a top three tight end in today's NFL landscape. He can play like a wide receiver from an athlete in space perspective. Pair that with his massive size and Bowers is an easy friend for the quarterback.
Michael Mayer will be a fascinating piece to watch under Kubiak. In year one of the regime, can Mayer see an uptick in receiving? He enters the final year of his rookie deal with hopes of finally putting a full and fruitful campaign together.
Finally, Ian Thomas is a blocking piece that can be a serviceable role player. If that Raiders' offense increases their 22 personnel usage, Las Vegas can look to Thomas to help create a firmer foundation at the line of scrimmage.
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