{
  "id": 687403,
  "title": "Raiders Newcomer Extremely Important to Fernando Mendoza, Ashton Jeanty",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/raiders-newcomer-extremely-important-to-fernando-mendoza-ashton-jeanty",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-12T18:14:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/raiders-newcomer-extremely-important-to-fernando-mendoza-ashton-jeanty-12315235"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Las Vegas Raiders prioritized upgrading their offensive line in order to support their star players Fernando Mendoza and Ashton Jeanty, who were drafted in the top two spots of the 2026 and 2025 NFL drafts respectively. Quarterback Geno Smith, along with running backs Aiden O’Connell and Kenny Pickett, faced numerous sacks last season, highlighting the need for improvement. The Raiders' current offensive line, consisting of Kolton Miller, Spencer Burford, Tyler Linderbaum, Stone Forsythe, Dylan Parham, Jordan Meredith, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Delmar Glaze, ranked as the worst in the league. Coach Rick Dennison praised Linderbaum's leadership and athleticism, emphasizing that he will play a crucial role in protecting the quarterbacks and facilitating the development of Mendoza and Jeanty. With four starting options now secured for the next two seasons, the Raiders are optimistic about building a strong foundation under new head coach Klint Kubiak, alongside promising talent like quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, and pass-rusher Kwity Paye. However, the impact of Tyler Linderbaum on the team's future success cannot be overstated.",
  "summary": "Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum should aid in the development of Fernando Mendoza and Ashton Jeanty.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Ashton Jeanty Gives Honest Assessment of Fernando Mendoza at Raiders Camp",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/ashton-jeanty-gives-honest-assessment-of-fernando-mendoza-at-raiders",
        "published": "2026-08-10T14:47:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}