Raiders’ Rookie QB Outlook: When Could the No. 1 Overall Pick See His First Start?
The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2025 offseason with a high‑profile rookie quarterback—selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 draft—still working through the early stages of his professional career. After a noticeable preseason showing, questions remain about how quickly the young passer can transition from college‑style shotgun concepts to the pro‑scheme demands of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. This article examines the rookie’s preseason performance, the scheme adjustment he faces, the coaching plan laid out by Kubiak, how the Raiders’ early‑season schedule influences a potential debut, and what the current 2025 season tells us about his timeline.
Preseason Performance and Early Challenges
During the 2025 preseason, the rookie logged 85 offensive snaps, completing 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. His completion percentage stood at 55.6 % with an average of 5.3 yards per attempt, a long gain of 22 yards and four sacks suffered. While the raw numbers display a promising arm and a willingness to push the ball downfield, the two interceptions—both occurring on under‑center play‑action drops—highlighted a specific area of concern.
The interceptions underscored a mismatch between the quarterback’s college background, which featured a heavy shotgun emphasis, and the Raiders’ pro system that frequently asks the quarterback to operate from under center on play‑action looks. Kubiak noted after the preseason that the rookie showed improvement in that regard but still needs refinement before handling live‑game reps.
Transition from Shotgun to Under‑Center Play‑Action
Coming out of Indiana, the quarterback operated predominantly from the shotgun, a trait that made the preseason play‑action struggles unsurprising. The Raiders’ offense under Kubiak blends traditional drop‑back concepts with play‑action bootlegs designed to freeze linebackers and create throwing lanes. For a quarterback still acclimating to taking snaps under center, the timing of the fake, the footwork, and the subsequent read progression become critical.
Coaching staff reports indicate that the rookie has devoted extra time in practice to under‑center footwork, specifically on play‑action series. Improvement has been observed in practice reps, yet the pressure of a live defensive front—particularly the variety of blitz looks the Raiders are likely to face early in the season—remains a significant test.
Coach Klint Kubiak’s Development Plan
Kubiak has repeatedly emphasized a “process‑over‑rush” approach. In his post‑preseason press conference, he stated that while live reps are irreplaceable, the rookie must first demonstrate a level of comfort and decision‑making consistency in practice before being trusted with game‑time snaps. The coordinator pointed to the upcoming stretch of games—Weeks 4 through 7 against Kansas City, New England, Buffalo and the Los Angeles Rams—as a period where the team will likely prioritize protecting the young quarterback’s development while still evaluating his readiness.
Should the Raiders encounter early struggles and fall below a .500 record, Kubiak hinted that the coaching staff might be compelled to accelerate the rookie’s integration, allowing him to gain valuable NFL experience “on the fly.” Conversely, a stronger start could afford the staff additional weeks to refine his under‑center mechanics before handing him the reins.
Raiders’ Schedule and the Week 8 (at Jets) Projection
The analytical projection that surfaced after the preseason evaluation pointed to a potential first start in Week 8 of the 2026 season, on the road against the New York Jets. That forecast considered two primary factors:
- The difficulty of the Raiders’ Weeks 4‑7 slate, which features a pair of playoff‑contending teams (Chiefs and Rams) and two defensively sound opponents (Patriots and Bills).
- The need to balance the rookie’s development trajectory with the team’s competitive aspirations; a early‑season record around 2‑5 could precipitate a quicker promotion.
As of the current date (September 25, 2025), the Raiders have not altered their official depth chart. Veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo remains listed as the starter, with the rookie occupying the backup role. No announcement has been made regarding a change to that arrangement, and the Week 8 projection remains a speculative benchmark contingent on both team performance and the quarterback’s continued growth in practice.
What the 2025 Season Tells Us About the Rookie’s Timeline
The 2025 regular season is underway, and while the Raiders have yet to make any public shift at quarterback, the early games have provided further context for the developmental timeline. The team’s offensive line has shown improvement in pass protection, yet the defense has faced challenges generating consistent pressure, placing added importance on the quarterback’s ability to make quick, accurate decisions. These dynamics reinforce the staff’s caution: pushing a rookie into a high‑stakes environment before he has solidified his under‑center foundation could jeopardize both his confidence and the team’s short‑term results.
Analysts note that if the Raiders maintain a record near .500 through the first six weeks, the likelihood of a Week 8 start increases, as the coaching staff would feel comfortable affording the rookie a chance to learn in a slightly less pressurized setting. Should the team find itself markedly underperforming, the scenario described by Kubiak—forcing the rookie into action earlier—would become more plausible.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Patience and Opportunity
The path forward for Las Vegas’ No. 1 overall pick is emblematic of the broader tension NFL franchises face when integrating high‑draft‑chosen quarterbacks: the desire to accelerate development through on‑field experience versus the imperative to protect a young talent from early setbacks that could hinder long‑term growth. Preseason flashes of arm talent and fearlessness have generated optimism, but the recurring issues on play‑action drops serve as a reminder that mechanical refinement remains essential.
For now, the rookie’s progression will be monitored closely in practice, with the coaching staff weighing each snap against the broader objectives of the franchise. Whether his first NFL start arrives in Week 8 at the Jets or arrives later in the season will ultimately depend on a combination of his continued improvement in under‑center execution, the Raiders’ early‑season performance, and the strategic judgment of Klint Kubiak and the front office.
Sports, News, Las Vegas Raiders, NFL, Quarterback Development, Preseason Analysis, 2026 NFL Draft, Jimmy Garoppolo, Klint Kubiak, Nevada
