What to expect from Raiders’ rookie class in opener
The Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie class will make its NFL debut Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. PT.
Here is what to expect from the class:
Brock Bowers:
The team is hopeful he will play despite missing a few weeks of practice with a foot ailment. Expect the No. 13 overall pick to be a big part of the offense and play at multiple spots, including, of course, in the a double tight-end set, with second-year tight end Michael Mayer.
Jackson Powers-Johnson:
The initial thought was the second-round pick from Oregon would be the starting left guard in Week 1. But he missed the first three weeks of training cap due to a concussion and will start the season as a backup to Cody Whitehair. It’s conceivable, Powers-Johnson could be starting within a few weeks.
D.J. Glaze:
The third-round pick is backup and will only play on offense in this game if there is an injury to starting right tackle Thayer Munford. He will likely play on some special teams units Sunday.
Decamarion Richardson:
The fourth-round pick a backup and should play on some special teams units Sunday.
Tommy Eichenberg:
The fifth-round pick missed time in the preseason due to a personal reasons and an injury. It will be interesting to see if the Raiders activate him for the game or they give him more time to practice before playing. He will be mostly a special teamer to start his career.
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images
Dylan Laube:
He is starting out as a fourth-string running back, who will likely mostly play on special teams. But there could be some designed plays for him on offense as well, even though he followed up a strong training camp with a lackluster play in the preseason.
Not on roster
Seventh-round pick, safety Trey Taylor is on the injured reserve, for, at least, four games, and seventh-round pick, cornerback M.J. Devonshire was cut and is on the practice squad.
Undrafted free agents:
Linebacker Amari Gainer, wide receiver Ramel Keyton, safety Thomas Harper, defensive tackle Jonah Laulu.
It will be intriguing to see if any of these players will be active in the game. It wouldn’t be a shock if Gainer will get a chance to play on special team right away after a terrific preseason that earned him a spot on the 53-man roster.