A look at how 2023 draft class did in win over Jacksonville
Let’s look at how the Las Vegas Raiders 2023 draft class fared in a 19-14 Week 16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and what to expect in a Week 17 game at the New Orleans Saints. Kickoff is set for 10 a.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 career-high 75 percent of the snaps with Maxx Crosby out for the season. He did have two quarterback hits and he now has nine on the season. He had one tackle. Wilson can help his case for more playing time in 2025 with a strong finish to this season. The Raiders would like to see more consistency from him.
Michael Mayer:
Mayer played 61 percent of the offensive snaps, his lowest in four games. he was targeted once and had no catches He has one catch in the past two games after having seven at Tampa Bay in Week 14. The second-round pick from Notre Dame has 16 catches for 121 yards in nine games.
Tre Tucker:
The speedy third-round pick played 92 percent of the snaps and had two catches for 41 yards on four targets. He has ability, but he has to get more done. Tucker has seven catches for 124 yards in the past four games combined. That’s a weak production level for someone playing starter snaps.
Aidan O’Connell:
O’Connell wasn’t great against Jacksonville after he missed the Atlanta game. But he did make some plays with his arm and, yes, eve his feet as Las Vegas broke a 10-game losing streak. He is likely going to be the backup in 2025, but the Raiders would like to see him show consistency in the final two games.
Chris Smith:
The fifth-round safety from Georgia played a season-low 8 snaps on special teams against Jacksonville.
Amari Burney:
The sixth-round pick played 9 snaps at linebacker and 23 snaps on special teams in Week 16.
Conclusion:
Consistency from Wilson and O’Connell is a key at New Orleans.