Class didn’t do much in loss to Falcons
Let’s look at how the Las Vegas Raiders 2023 draft class fared in a Week 15 15-9 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons and what to expect in a Week 16 home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 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 career-high 72 percent of the snaps with Maxx Crosby out for the season and Charles Snowden being inactive after an alleged DUI arrest. Wilson showed up with four tackles, a sack and two tackles for loss. He has four sacks this season after having 3.5 sacks last season. Wilson will have a chance to show he can be a big part of the Las Vegas defense in the future by playing well in the final three games. Wilson has to show he can play consistently well, which he has been unable to do as a pro.
Michael Mayer:
Mayer played 70 percent of the snaps and had just one catch for 11 yards. He was also targeted on a deep pass. This came a week after Mayer had one of the best games of his career, at Tampa Bay, as he caught seven of nine targets, which was a career high in receptions. His 68 yards receiving was the second most in his career. Perhaps he will be more involved against the Jaguars.
Tre Tucker:
The speedy third-round pick played 96 percent of the snaps, but, once again, he didn’t do much. Tucker had two catches (on three targets) for 18 yards. He has five catches in the past three games combined despite playing starter snaps. He’s been a disappointment overall.
Aidan O’Connell:
O’Connell missed the Atlanta game with a bruised knee bone he suffered at Tampa Bay. The hope is he will play against Jacksonville.
Chris Smith:
The fifth-round safety from Georgia played 17 snaps on special teams against Atlanta.
Amari Burney:
The sixth-round pick played 13 snaps at linebacker and 23 snaps on special teams in Week 15.
Conclusion:
Wilson can make a statement the rest of the season. Is he up for it?