How has the draft class fared in first half of season?
Let’s look at how the Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie class fared in the first nine games of the season before the bye and what it means heading into a Week 11 road game at the Miami Dolphins. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. PT.
Brock Bowers:
The No. 13 overall draft pick has been one of the best rookies in the NFL regardless of position. The Georgia product is on pace to be a first-team All-Pro. He is the Raiders’ best offensive player already and a major building block. He has 57 catches for 580 yards and two touchdowns. He became the first rookie tight end to have, at least, eight catches in three straight games. He has 47 catches this season, which is the most ever by a rookie tight end after seven games.
Jackson Powers-Johnson:
The second-round pick from Oregon has started six games after getting healthy. He was up-and-down in five starts at guard and has penalty issues. But he had perhaps his best game of the season in Week 9 when he started at center for an injured Andre James. Scouts have thought center is his best NFL position and he showed glimpses of that. He could end up there on a full-time basis soon.
D.J. Glaze:
The third-round pick started for the injured Thayer Munford, but then he has kept the game because performance. He has started six games. The Maryland product has not been perfect, but he looks like he could be a long-term starter.
Decamarion Richardson:
The fourth-round pick missed the first five games with a hamstring injury. He got his first major defensive playing time in Week 9 and was impressive. He should get plenty of chances to play down the stretch,
Tommy Eichenberg:
The fifth-round pick from Ohio State has been active for five games as he has dealt with injuries. He has mostly been a special teams player when active.
Dylan Laube:
The sixth-round pick has ben active just three times and he has been inactive for the past three games. He fumbled his only rush attempt and hasn’t played since. The Raiders were excited about the New Hampshire product in training camp, but it may take take to develop.
Trey Taylor:
The seventh-round pick missed six games with a knee injury. He has been active twice and played on special teams. He was inactive in Week 9.
Not on roster
Seventh-round pick, cornerback M.J. Devonshire was cut and is on the practice squad. Taylor may be ready to play soon.
Undrafted free agents:
Linebacker Amari Gainer, defensive tackle Jonah Laulu and safety Thomas Harper. Gainer is a core special teamer. Laulu, claimed off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts right before the season, is a rotational player at defensive tackle. He’s a part of the defense, especially with Christian Wilkins out. Harper is mostly a special teamer but he does get some defensive snaps.
