A look at how 2nd-year players did in loss to Buccaneers
Let’s look at how the Las Vegas Raiders 2023 draft class fared in a Week 14 28-13 loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and what to expect Monday against the Atlanta Falcons. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. PT.
Six 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. Fourth-round pick, starting cornerback Jakorian Bennett is on the injured reserve with a shoulder injury and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Tyree Wilson:
The No. 7 overall draft pick played 44 percent of the game and had two tackles. He didn’t make a huge impact in the game.
Michael Mayer:
Mayer’s performances was a bright spot for the Raiders in the 15-point loss at Tampa Bay. Mayer caught seven of nine targets, which was a career high in receptions. His 68 yards receiving was the second most in his career. It will be interesting to see if Mayer can continue to make strides. Mayer, who missed six games due to personal reasons, came into Week 14 with eight catches for 42 yards in six games.
Tre Tucker:
The speedy third-round pick played 88 percent of the snaps. He had just two catches for seven yards on five targets. Tucker is not producing like a player who is on the field as much as he is.
Aidan O’Connell:
After a strong performance at Kansas City in Week 13, in his first game back from missing four games with a broken thumb, O’Connell took a step back at Tampa Bay. He was inaccurate, and he lost a fumble and was intercepted. He made poor decisions throughout the game. He left in the third quarter and is his status for the Atlanta game is up in the air because of a bone bruise.
Chris Smith:
The fifth-round safety from Georgia played 16 snaps on special teams at Tampa Bay.
Amari Burney:
The sixth-round pick played f12 snaps at linebacker. He had a sack and played 20 snaps on special teams in Week 14.
Conclusion:
Let’s see if Mayer can continue to produce against Atlanta.
