With Las Vegas Raiders training camp just a few weeks away, let’s look at some players that need to light it up in Costa Mesa. The previous regime brought in the following names, who are still very young. So, when all allegiances are lost, the only thing left to do is ball out.
With that being said, let’s examine three Raiders in particular.
Is this “the year” for Byron Young?
There’s nothing worse than being labeled the “other” person with a particular name. When the Raiders selected Byron Young with the 70th pick in the 2023 draft, it was a bit of a head-scratcher. So I guess it only makes sense that a player with an identical name would be chosen seven picks later and make the Tennessee product a complete afterthought. But, alas, the past is the past. There is still plenty of time for Byron Young to make a big impact.
No, not the Rams player who had eight sacks in his rookie campaign. The one that only amassed four tackles in limited action.
Stop laughing; I’m serious.
Young would only appear in six games in 2023, and his imprint was minimal. With the addition of Christian Wilkins and the return of Adam Butler and John Jenkins, snaps at defensive tackle will be at a premium. The 23-year-old will need a strong camp to separate himself from the pack. Assuming he’s trying to secure a spot in the rotation, right?
Can Amari Burney finally flourish for the Raiders?
Burney was a 2023 sixth-round pick that many hoped could bloom into a solid coverage linebacker. With defensive coordinator Patrick Graham favoring the nickel as the Raiders base formation, playing time is tough to come by. Veterans Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo are currently the starters. Be that as it may, injuries do happen. That’s especially true for the aforementioned Deablo. While the linebacker room isn’t exactly crowded, third-year man Luke Masterson and rookie Tommy Eichenberg could have a say in some rotational shuffling.
Burney could flash in coverage and create some value over Masterson, who allowed a 73.7% completion percentage last season per Pro Football Reference (Burney allowed 100%, but that was only on four attempts).
Tre Tucker does have an established relationship with Aidan O’Connell…
The search for the next “Slot Machine” in Vegas continues. Following Hunter Renfrow’s departure, the third receiver spot is officially up for grabs. Tre Tucker’s selection in the third round of the 2023 draft shocked many, but he repeatedly demonstrated his potential as a home-run threat.
That is, when he wasn’t infected with the drops.
As of now, it’s safe to say that the new regime is not entirely convinced about the former Bearcat. Las Vegas has signed burners with track records, such as Jaylen Guyton and Michael Gallup, so it won’t be an easy path for Tucker. Then there is DJ Turner, who returns for another bite at the apple, and rookie Tulu Griffin, who could also make some noise. Tucker will have an advantage due to his established trust with second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
The rest, however, is up to him.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
