How did the 2023 draft class fare against the Chiefs?
Let’s look at how the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2023 draft class fared in a 27-20 Week 8 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and what to expect in a Week 9 road game at the Cincinnati Bengals. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. PT.
Seven 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.
Tyree Wilson:
After three straight quiet games, the No. 7 overall pick had a solid outing in Week 8. He played 34 snaps and had three tackles, including a sack of Patrick Mahomes. Wilson had some pressure and helped the cause. He has to find a consistency to his game. He usually disappears after having a random good game. Let’s see if he can produce in Cincinnati.
Michael Mayer:
The second-round pick from Notre Dame was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list and he will miss, at least, one more game. Wednesday, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said he thinks Mayer is getting close to returning. He has already been out for five games. He has four catches for 21 yards in three games this season.
Tre Tucker:
He played 91 percent of the snaps against the Chiefs. He had two catches for 26 yards (on the three targets) and one rush attempt for seven yards. He did have a nice catch, which he adjusted well to, nullified by a penalty. the truth is, Tucker is getting starter’s snaps now that Davante Adams has been traded. He needs to be used more and he needs to execute when given the chance.
Jakorian Bennett:
The fourth-round pick played 92 percent of the snaps. He had six tackles against the Chiefs and had another solid performance.
Aidan O’Connell:
The fourth-round pick broke his thumb in the first quarter in Week 7 and will reportedly miss 4-6 weeks while he is on the injured reserve. He is eligible to return in Week 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He should be the starter when he is healthy.
Chris Smith:
The fifth-round safety from Georgia played 15 snaps on special teams, which is basically his role on this team. He’s played on defense just once this season.
Amari Burney:
Burney didn’t play any snaps on defense for the third straight game and has played a total of 20 defensive snaps this season He did play 20 snaps on special teams against the Chiefs.
Conclusion:
Wilson has to keep trending up and Tucker needs to take advantage of his time on the field. Bennett needs to be his typical sharp self against the Bengals’ strong passing game Sunday.