Fans shouldn’t expect to see much from any of the starting players for the Las Vegas Raiders today versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. The annual Hall of Fame game in Canton marks the beginning of the NFL preseason. It also means we’re all getting closer to the real thing. However, today’s game and the coming matchups over the next few weeks present a golden opportunity for Darien Butler.
Darien Butler is making the most of Las Vegas Raiders’ training camp
Butler currently sits in a group led by Denzel Perryman and one that features Jayon Brown, Divine Deablo, and Kenny Young, it’s a solid linebacker group. In order for Butler to crack the Week 1 roster, he’ll have to show out starting today.
Butler made waves earlier in camp by being the first player to record an interception. It should also be noted (and this is key) that he played for Antonio Pierce at Arizona State University. Pierce is now the Raiders’ linebackers coach and under the tutelage of a Super Bowl-winning player, Butler could see notable strides. He’s already taken snaps with the defensive first team, so he’s certainly trending upward. Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report even named him as a UDFA that’s likely to make the roster.
“Before his 2021 term at Arizona State, Butler shed 15 pounds and had his most productive year, registering 68 tackles, 8.5 for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, and three pass breakups. In the Raiders’ first padded practice, Butler took reps with the starters and made his presence felt with a big hit.”
After excelling in the Pac-12 last season, Butler has a chance to sneak into the rotation or worst-case scenario, make the roster on special teams. With Micah Kiser going down with an injury, Butler can fully take advantage now that he’ll be taking his place moving forward. Butler will be a name worth monitoring today against the Jaguars, can he make the most of it?
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*Top Photo: Sports Illustrated/All Sun Devils
