These players have a lot to prove this season
There are several Las Vegas Raiders’ players who are entering the 2024 NFL season who are facing pressure for one reason or another.
Let’s look at some of them.
Jakorian Bennett:
The 2023 fourth-round pick has pressure, but he also has an opportunity. Bennett could end up starting opposite Jack Jones or he could fall completely out of the rotation since the Raiders added draft picks Decamerion Richardson and MJ Devonshire. Bennett began his rookie season as a starter but after some struggles and injuries he was an afterthought after the season. He needs to impress in training camp and the preseason.
Divine Deablo:
The fourth-year linebacker is a solid player. Still. he is entering his contract year and the Raiders drafted Tommy Eichenberg in the fifth round. One would think Deablo needs to stay consistent and healthy (both have been issues) for the Raiders to decide to extend him and keep Eichenberg as a backup. Eichenberg, of course, will have a say in that as well.
Michael Mayer:
Let’s face it; things changed for the 2023 second-round draft pick (who the Raiders’ previous regime traded up for) when the Raiders made the surprising pick of Brock Bowers at No. 13 this April. Yes, the Raiders will try to use both Mayer and Bowers and that sounds great on paper. Making it work consistently and getting big production out of both players is something that has to be proven. So, unless Mayer is extremely productive, he could become a secondary option and a player who is on the move in free agency after his rookie deal expires. Yet, he’s talented and up for the challenge.
Thayer Munford:
Yes, he has pressure, but he also has a great opportunity. The 2022 seventh-round pick is being given the chance to win the right tackle job. It’s his for the taking after the Raiders decided not to address the position early in free agency or the draft. It’s up to Munford to ensure this isn’t a need area next offseason.
Aidan O’Connell:
This is a quarterback battle, so there is pressure on Gardner Minshew as well as AOC. But here’s the truth: Minshew has been paid decently and he is already a veteran journeyman. O’Connell, in his second season, is playing to set up his career. If he wins the job, he could keep it long-term. If not, he may embark on the road as an NFL backup.
Zamir White:
White is replacing Josh Jacobs, who departed for Green Bay in free agent. Jacobs was a heart-and-soul type player for the Raiders. White has to show he can provide the same grit and toughness as Jacobs did. White, a fourth-round pick in 2022, finished last season strong as Jacobs’ injury replacement. With the starter’s job now his, White must show he can keep the role for the long term.
Tyree Wilson:
This is a pivotal season for the No. 7 overall pick last year. He had an uneven season as a rookie. He has been doing and saying all the right things this offseason. Once the season starts, though, the pass-rusher has to show he can become a reliable option or he will be in danger of being lost in the shuffle, especially if the Raiders commit long-term to Malcolm Koonce.
Byron Young:
The 2023 third-round pick was a disappointment last season as he was active for just the first six games of the season. The defensive tackle from Alabama had a total of four tackles. Now, that the Raiders signed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a monster deal, Young’s path to playing time has even gotten tougher. He needs to make strides in training camp or he could be a candidate to get cut.