Las Vegas Raider Rookies Are Finding Their Stride

The Las Vegas Raiders' 2023 rookie class has blossomed through the first 10 weeks of the season.

The Las Vegas Raiders had one of the league's best classes in this year's NFL Draft, and through 10 weeks, that final weekend in April has aged beautifully for the club.

Whether it's Aidan O'Connell, Michael Mayer, Jakorian Bennett, Tre Tucker or Amari Burney, the Raiders' rookies have made the most of their opportunities.

"These guys now, late in the season, the vets who've played a lot got a lot of wear and tear on themselves, and a lot of mouths for these young guys to start developing," Raiders Interim Coach Antonio Pierce said when he addressed the media Monday. "And obviously, he [Jakorian Bennett] started early on for us, took a little break, had a little setback there. But between him, [Amari] Burney's done a great job, and obviously, we see what Tyree's [Wilson] doing each and every week. 

"And then 'Big Mike' [Michael Mayer]. Just now, you start seeing your rookies -- [Tre] Tucker -- like, just keep naming them. They're making plays now, they're making headway. 

"We don't need them to be the guy to make every play, but they're making headway, and that's going to help us in the long run."

The Las Vegas Raiders' rookies are finding their stride / © Candice Ward | 2023 Nov 12

For rookies like Byron Young and Nesta Jade Silvera, the reps have been minimal. Pierce believes their progress will develop through practice.

"The way you practice now, you get elevated, right?" the coach said. "You have a great week of practice, either on the look team or if you get an opportunity on defense -- it might only be a handful of snaps, right? But we do have some veterans who are playing well and 'Big Jenk' [John Jenkins] is in there, [Jerry] Tillery, Bilal [Nichols], Adam Butler.

"Like, woo. If you're a rookie, you've got to bring your 'A' game. It's got to be every day. 

"And they're getting it. If you've seen, we've kind of sprinkled them in here and there. But as we're on this stretch, we'll do what's best for the team. 

"They understand that. They know their name will be called."

The Silver and Black will head out on the road to South Beach to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

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