A look at how 2023 draft class did in win over New Orleans
Let’s look at how the Las Vegas Raiders 2023 draft class fared in a 25-10 Week 17 win at the New Orleans Saints and what to expect in a Week 18 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kickoff is set for 1:25 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 430 snaps and had a career-high eight quarterback pressures. He had a half sack and has 4.5 on the season. Wilson is up-and-down and he may never live up to his draft status, but he shows up on occasion.
Michael Mayer:
Mayer played a season-high 58 snaps. He, though, was targeted just twice and he had one catch for 14 yards. He has two catch in the past three games after having seven at Tampa Bay in Week 14. The second-round pick from Notre Dame has 17 catches for 135 yards in 10 games.
Tre Tucker:
The speedy third-round pick played 90 percent of the snaps and had two catches for 24 yards, including a touchdown. However, Tucker was targeted eight times. So, two catches is a disappointment.
Aidan O’Connell:
O’Connell completed 20 of 35 pass attempts for 242 yards with two touchdown passes. He nearly threw two interceptions, but he didn’t commit a turnover for the second straight game. O’Connell is just OK, but he’s serviceable and he has another chance Sunday to show he is worthy of being in the mix as the 2025 starter.
Chris Smith:
The fifth-round safety from Georgia was inactive for the first time this season played a season-low 8 snaps on special teams against Jacksonville. Not a good sign.
Amari Burney:
The sixth-round pick played 11 snaps at linebacker and 22 snaps on special teams in Week 17.
Conclusion:
Wilson and O’Connell could make statement games in the season finale.