A look at how rookie class fared in loss to Denver
Let’s look at how the Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie class fared in a 29-19 Week 12 home loss to the Denver Broncos and what it means heading into a Week 13 road game at the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. Kickoff is at noon p.m. PT.
Brock Bowers:
Coming off of a Week 11 performance when he had 13 catches (the most by a rookie ever), Bowers had four grabs for 38 yards against Denver. The Broncos often put star cornerback Patrick Surtain on Bowers, which is quite a compliment and you have to wonder if other teams will try to do the same with their best cornerback. Bowers now has 74 catches, which broke the Raiders’ rookie record set by wide receiver Amari Cooper, who had 72 receptions in 2015.
Jackson Powers-Johnson:
Powers-Johnson started his third straight game at center in place of the Andre James. James is healthy and it will be interesting to see if he starts again and Powers-Johnson moves back to guard of if Powers-Johnson finishes the season at center, which would be an indication he will stay there in 2025.
D.J. Glaze:
The third-round pick continued to start at right tackle where he is a staple.
Decamarion Richardson:
The fourth-round pick played extensively for the second straight game because starter Jakorian Bennett is injured. Richardson had a rough go against Denver and wide receiver Courtland Sutton. If Bennett’s shoulder is not healed by Friday, expect Patrick Mahomes to test Richardson often.
Tommy Eichenberg:
The fifth-round pick from Ohio State didn’t play any defensive snaps for the second straight game. He did play 29 snaps on special teams against the Broncos.
Dylan Laube:
The sixth-round pick was active for fourth time this season against Denver. He was active because running backs Zamir White and Alexander Mattison were inactive because of injuries. Laube didn’t play any offensive snaps as Sincere McCormick backed up Ameer Abdullah. Laube did flash s he returned a kickoff 59 yards that setup a touchdown. It was his first big play of his career.
Trey Taylor:
The seventh-round pick was active for the third game and played 15 snaps on special teams.
Not on roster
Seventh-round pick, cornerback M.J. Devonshire was cut and is on the practice squad.
Undrafted free agents:
Linebacker Amari Gainer, defensive tackle Jonah Laulu and safety Thomas Harper. Gainer played 27 snaps on special teams. Laulu played a season high 37 snaps on defense. The defensive tackle is a staple of the defense. Harper played a season high 23 snaps on defense and started the game as the Raiders began with three safeties on the field.