There was a lot to like
Let’s look at how the Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie class fared in the 2024 season and what to expect moving forward:
Brock Bowers:
Yeah, the first-round pick did pretty good. The No. 13 overall pick had the greatest season by a rookie tight end in NFL history and it wasn’t close. He was an incredible record breaker. He finished the season with 112 catches for 1,194 yards and no rookie wide receiver ever even had as many catches as Bowers did. He’s an incredible talent who will be the centerpiece of this offense for years to come.
Jackson Powers-Johnson:
The second-round pick looks like a keeper. He started at both guard and center. He graded out very nicely and he has a strong future, which will likely be at center.
D.J. Glaze:
The third-round pick quickly developed and became the right tackle. Assuming he fits what new offensive scheme, the third-round pick should be considered the starter for 2025.
Decamarion Richardson:
The fourth-round pick was forced into the lineup because of injuries. opponents often picked on him as it was clear he wasn’t to play as much as he did. The Raiders will likely make Richardson a backup again in 2025 and hope he develops without the pressure of having to play as much as he did as a rookie.
Tommy Eichenberg:
The fifth-round pick from Ohio State played just 80 defensive snaps all season and none in the final eight games of the season. He was a draft favorite of the former regime. If he doesn’t fit the new defensive scheme, Eichenebrg could have a hard time making the 2025 roster.
Dylan Laube:
The sixth-round pick was a training-camp star, but he did little in the preseason or in the regular season. He was mostly a special teamer when he did hit the field. He may have a difficult time making the 2025 roster with the new regime like Eichenberg.
Trey Taylor:
The seventh-round pick played in nine games. While other young safeties earned the chance to play on defense, the Air Force product was just a special teamer. Perhaps he can so growth in Year 2.
Not on roster
Seventh-round pick, cornerback M.J. Devonshire was cut and is on the practice squad. He did sign a 2025 future contract, so he will get a chance impress the new staff.
Undrafted free agents:
Linebacker Amari Gainer, defensive tackle Jonah Laulu, safety Thomas Harper and wide receiver Ramel Keyton. Gainer was a preseason star and was a core special teamer during the season. Laulu became a big part of the rotation at defensive tackle. Laulu, claimed off waivers from Indianapolis, has a chance to be a key player if he fits the new system and continues to improve. Harper showed some juice on defense down the stretch and the waiver claim from the Chargers could carve out a role in 2025. Keyton will likely have to fight for a roster spot in training camp.
