Why Raiders' second-round WR buried on depth chart in 2025 could be 'X-factor' this year

The Las Vegas Raiders are all about figuring out what works on the offensive side of the ball during the 2026 season. It's not meant to be a contending season, but rather one to figure out what they have and what they need.

While Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers, and Fernando Mendoza are the future at RB, TE, and QB, the wide receiver room is very much up in the air. Tre Tucker is the No. 1 WR, but after him, the WR room is a lot of unknowns.

But for ESPN's Ben Solak, the "X-Factor" in the Raiders' offense could be second-round WR Jack Bech. After being buried on the depth chart in his rookie season, Bech could become the Raiders' No. 2 WR in 2026 and have a breakout year in the process.

Why Raiders 'X-Factor' is 2nd-round WR Jack Bech

"But if Bech can make big plays as the third wideout on the field, he'll quickly climb the depth chart and give the Raiders the secondary playmakers they desperately need behind Bowers," Solak writes.

The second-year WR hasn't won the No. 2 job in the Raiders' receiver room, as Jalen Nailor is making a case for that job. But it would not be a surprise if Bech eventually won over Klint Kubiak and took over at No. 2 WR.

Solak hinted at how that could happen, noting Bech's propensity to do the "dirty work,"  and also how he "blocks well and can take easy targets for big gains..."

Being able to do the dirty work of blocking as a receiver and also making nice plays after the catch could help his case to earn more playing time.

MORE: Raiders name Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starter over Fernando Mendoza

If Nailor struggles, or Bech simply shines in his limited role early in the season, as the year rolls along, Bech could wind up as a starter for this team, maybe around the same time that Mendoza ends up as the starter.

Last season, in 16 games but with very limited opportunities on a poor offense, while also being buried on the depth chart for much of the year, Bech caught 20 passes for 224 yards and no touchdowns.

It was a weak season for the No. 58 overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While last year was a letdown, the 6-foot-1, 214-pound receiver could be in store for a big breakout in 2026.

There is still plenty of uncertainty about Bech's ability, but Solak believes that the second-round WR could be in store for a big season now that the coaching staff is in a better place and the WR2 competition is wide open.

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