How has Raiders 2023 draft class fared in first half of season?
Let’s look at how the Las Vegas Raiders 2023 draft class has fared in the first nine games and what to expect after the bye in a Week 11 road game at the Miami Dolphins. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. PT.
Seven of the nine players from the draft class are currently in the program. The Raiders cut third-round pick Byron Young and he was claimed by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was inactive in Week 1. Seventh-round pick, defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera was cut in Week 7 and is now on the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad.
Tyree Wilson:
The No. 7 overall draft pick had had his moments and had a good game in Week 8 against Kansas City when he registered his only sack of the season. But like his rookie season, Wilson has been inconsistent and he is just a role player despite starting defensive end Malcolm Koonce being lost for the season with a knee injury before Week 1. He has just 10 tackles on the season after having 29 as a rookie.
Michael Mayer:
The second-round pick from Notre Dame was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list. He has been out for six games, but he did return to practice this week. He has four catches for 21 yards in three games this season.
Tre Tucker:
The speedy third-round pick has been getting starter’s reps now that Davante Adams has been traded. He he has a role, he has bene inconsistent and is not getting together starter numbers. Unless he finishes strong, the Raiders may need to find a starting wide receiver opposite Jakobi Meyer and keep Tucker as a role player.
Jakorian Bennett:
The fourth-round pick has been very good as a starter after finishing last season as a backup. He has eight passes defensed this season, which is impressive.
Aidan O’Connell:
The fourth-round pick broke his thumb in the first quarter in Week 7 and will reportedly miss 4-6 weeks while he is on the injured reserve. He is eligible to return in Week 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He should be the starter when he is healthy.
Chris Smith:
The fifth-round safety from Georgia is a special teams player like as a rookie. He doesn’t stand out much.
Amari Burney:
Same this linebacker who was a sixth-round pick,
Conclusion:
Bennett has been the standout so far while the others still need to show they can be core players.
