Entering 2025 Training Camp, Raiders.com is previewing every position group and evaluating the players who will make up the 53-man roster. Here, we take a glance at the tight end position.

New players

The Las Vegas Raiders signing of Ian Thomas could prove to be an underrated move in due time.

The former Carolina Panthers tight end comes to Las Vegas with 99 career games played over the last seven seasons. Outside of Thomas, the tight room room is an average 23.7 years old with Michael Mayer having the most starts (20) of the young group. Veteran leadership isn't the only thing Thomas brings to the table either, with a prowess for blocking and 119 career receptions.

"He's such a good compliment to a tight end room," tight ends coach Luke Steckel said of Thomas. "He does a lot of the dirty work that a lot of guys don't do as much anymore. ... He's played a lot of snaps in this league. Guys can learn from the reps that he's taken. I've felt his presence just as a veteran leader in the room and I think he's an underestimated athlete. He can do more in the pass game than people give him credit for. It's just all about the opportunities and when those opportunities come up, I think he's going to do well for us."

Qadir Ismail signed with the Raiders this offseason after spending the majority of 2024 on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad. He's already garnering eyes on him with a few touchdown catches to his name throughout OTAs and minicamp.

The last two additions to the tight end room are rounded out with UDFA signings Carter Runyon and Pat Conroy. Runyon was regarded as one of the top FCS prospects in this year's draft class coming out of Towson, having been named an AP Second-Team All-American in 2023 and 2024. Conroy led his team in touchdown catches (five) his senior season at Old Dominion.

Returning players

Brock Bowers could honestly solidify himself as the undisputed best tight end in football as he heads into his second season.

Against all odds as a rookie and with three quarterbacks throwing him passes throughout the season, he was named AP First-Team All-Pro while leading the Raiders in receptions (112), receiving yards (1,194), yards after catch (596) and receiving touchdowns (five). Of these marks, his receptions, receiving yards and yards after catch totals were first in the league among all tight ends. While the Raiders drafted three receivers and Ashton Jeanty this offseason, all signs point to Bowers still being a top target in this offense.

"[W]hen he came in here, he was as advertised, and unbelievable work ethic, unbelievable attention to detail," Chip Kelly said about Bowers during OTAs. "All the things you're looking for in a player, along with just a unique skillset, to have a guy that big and that athletic and moves in that way is kind of special. So, we're really excited about what he can bring for us."

Michael Mayer could also see a heightened workload. The 2022 second-round pick has yet to enjoy a breakout season after being one of the more decorated college tight ends out of Notre Dame. He missed six games last season due to personal reasons, but showcased his potential upon his return with a career-high seven receptions for 67 yards in Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mayer and Bowers could be used heavily in 12 personnel, with Mayer reaping the benefits of Brock and the outside receivers demanding attention. In a short time, Mayer has been building chemistry with Geno Smith, which could potentially translate over into training camp and the regular season.

"I thought Mike had a great off season with us," Pete Carroll said. "We started out going heart to heart and him understand what we're all about, and he embraced it and took it as well as anybody could take the challenge of bringing it day in and day out."

Justin Shorter also returns to the Raiders tight end room. He was signed to the active roster from the practice squad heading into Week 9 last season, and appeared in 10 games.