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The Two Raiders Learning New Positions at Training Camp
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- The Two Raiders Learning New Positions at Training Camp
As a new head coach, Klint Kubiak has kept most of his plans quiet. He hasn't named a starting quarterback; he said as many as 90 percent of the roster has yet to establish their role.
But one area Kubiak has been ready to talk about is the need for versatility on the roster. He has mentioned it when discussing the offensive line and wide receiver rooms. He wants players that can play multiple positions and cross over to special teams.
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It is one thing for coach to say he wants versatility, but the Raiders are making sure they expose their players to multiple spots early in training camp .
Trey Zuhn III
May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders guard Trey Zuhn II (66) speaks during a news conference at the team's Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
The Raiders drafted Zuhn in the third round of the 2026 draft. Despite Las Vegas having one of the worst offensive lines in the league last season, Zuhn is shaping up to be a backup. Kubiak simply wants his backup offensive lineman to play everywhere.
"Offensive line wise, unless you are playing tackle, you better be able to play multiple spots. So having versatile guys is very important," Kubiak said.
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Zuhn was a left tackle at Texas A&M . He took over 3,000 snaps at left tackle across his collegiate career. However, Zuhn did take 126 snaps at center last season for the Aggies , according to Pro Football Focus. The Raiders are already testing his versatility.
Throughout camp, Zuhn has bounced around between right guard, center and right tackle. He's been with the second and third units while getting a taste at multiple positions.
Whether or not he is any good at different positions remains to be seen. But the Raiders are exposing Zuhn almost everywhere to gauge how valuable he will be as a backup offensive lineman this season.
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Taron Johnson
Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) stretches during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Raiders acquired Johnson in a trade with the Bills this offseason. Johnson brings experience to a young secondary, as every other defensive back is 28 or younger.
Las Vegas is also counting on Johnson to provide versatility. He was primarily a slot corner in Buffalo, but the Raiders are giving him snaps at safety as well.
But Johnson doesn't have much experience at safety, across his eight-year career he has lined up as a safety just 34 times , according to Pro Football Focus.
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If Johnson can play both, it will open up the secondary to more variations. Rookie Treydan Stukes could get more snaps as a slot corner. Or if safeties Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao show improvement, they can stay on the field more often.
Whether it is rookies or veterans, the Raiders are looking to teach new positions to expand their roster versatility.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
