Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll wants his rookies and young players to earn more snaps before he puts them on the field. Thus far, only a few of them have impressed him enough to see notable action, but this team doesn’t have the luxury of being patient with development.
The Raiders will host the Cleveland Browns for a must-watch matchup between two 2-8 clubs. Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his first career start, and the Raiders are trying to snap a four-game losing streak in a disappointing campaign that could cost more coaches their jobs.
In their previous outing, the Raiders reshuffled their offensive line because of Jackson Powers-Johnson‘s injury, and it didn’t work out well. On top of that, a few veterans are struggling mightily at their respective positions. Whether Carroll likes it or not, he needs to make more roster tweaks to at least speed up his team’s development. The Raiders won’t gain much with underperforming veterans on expiring or short-term deals.
Let’s take a look at a few changes that could get more rookies on the field or slightly upgrade over the worst starters.
Cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly Is Benched In Favor of Darien Porter
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Arizona Cardinals
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Raiders must end the experiment with Kyu Blu Kelly in the No. 2 cornerback spot. Against high-level receivers, he’s a liability in coverage.
According to Pro Football Focus, Kelly allowed five receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens tormented the third-year pro for big plays and picked up several yards after the catch.
On X, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe chimed in on Kelly’s lack of confidence in coverage:
36 playing scared. He’s beat b4 the snap.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) November 18, 2025
Kelly didn’t just have a bad game. He’s struggled for most of the campaign, allowing an 118.4 passer rating and four touchdowns in coverage, per PFF.
Darien Porter started in two games over the last three weeks. In an expanded role, he played well against the Indianapolis Colts (62.5 passer rating allowed) but struggled in matchups with Jacksonville Jaguars receivers (111.8 passer rating allowed). Though with more experience, he should be an upgrade over Kelly.
Alex Cappa Replaces Will Putnam at Center
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Arizona Cardinals
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In his first career start, Will Putnam had a rough Monday night. Dallas Cowboys defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark dominated him in pass-blocking sets, and he didn’t provide much help in run-blocking either.
According to PFF, Putnam allowed six pressures, which included three sacks. He needs more development, but a matchup with the Cleveland Browns isn’t one to learn on the job. Despite its 2-8 record, Cleveland fields an aggressive defensive line group that’s tied for fourth in sacks (32) and tied for ninth in pressure rate (23.4 percent).
If the Raiders trot out Putnam at center on Sunday, the Browns may embarrass him just as badly as the Cowboys did last Monday. Before that game, Alex Cappa took snaps at center (h/t Raiders.com’s Levi Edwards).
Though Cappa has played guard his entire career, his veteran experience may allow him to fare better than Putnam against a strong defensive front.
Defensive Tackle JJ Pegues Is Active for the First Time Since Week 5
Syndication: Arizona Republic
Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Last Monday, defensive tackle Jonah Laulu suffered a rib injury. He had limited practice on Wednesday. Whether he suits up for the upcoming game or not, the coaching staff should dress JJ Pegues.
The Raiders activated Pegues for Weeks 4 and 5 against the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts, respectively, which made sense against two run-heavy opponents.
On Sunday, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his first career start after an abysmal showing filling in for Dillon Gabriel last week. The Browns may go with a run-heavy game plan to take significant pressure off their inexperienced, young quarterback.
Furthermore, Browns running back Quinshon Judkins has shown flashes in a 110-yard and a three-touchdown rushing performance in October.
Over the past few weeks, the Raiders have struggled with poor angles in pursuit and lackluster tackling. They need more beef up front to prevent Judkins from reaching the second level of the defense and running over and through defenders.
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at@MoeMoton.
avatar
Maurice Moton is our Sr. NFL columnist and co-host of Silver and Black Tonight on Southern California's The Mightier ... More about Moe Moton