Raiders Rookie Class: Overreact or Patience

The Raiders suffered a disappointing week three loss to the Commanders 41-24, a large part came with massive defensive struggles for the first time this season. The Raiders allowed 400 total yards, which isn’t a recipe for success in the NFL. Through three weeks, one thing has remained consistent, the lack of snaps from their rookie class.

First rounder Ashton Jeanty has yet to log a game averaging over 4 YPC, though a large contribution for this has come with the Raiders incredibly low level of play from their offensive line. Las Vegas has seen their run block win rate rank 32nd, something that likely won’t change much after just 93 yards vs the Commanders on 28 attempts while also allowing eight tackles for loss. Despite the offensive line struggles, third round rookies Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant have yet to record a snap, with Rogers only being active vs the Chargers on MNF in a worst case scenario situation. Rogers played over 3000 snaps at Texas Tech including snaps at LT, both guard spots, though the majority came at RT. Rogers converted to guard in the NFL, and is 120 preseason snaps allowed 4 pressures with a 49.6 PFF Grade. With the struggles of Dylan Parham and Alex Cappa the Raiders have yet to put Rogers on the field. Rogers was viewed as a slight developmental prospect coming out of college, the 23 year old needs to refine his technique and tap more into his athleticism while also learning guard. Fellow third rounder Charles Grant, out of William & Mary, was never expected to play in 2025. Coming out of the FCS, the 6’5/300 T is making an adjustment. Grant plays with excellent pad level, his highly athletic, and has a wrestling background all of which will help him in his NFL future. Grant needs to refine his technique, add muscle, and continue to adapt to the offensive line, a position he hasn’t played much. Grant played 112 snaps in preseason allowing 7 pressures though he did flash against the 49ers and has shown the ability to be a starter soon.

Rookie receivers Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton have been up and down. After logging a 20 yard reception vs the Patriots in week 1, Bech didn’t see the field much logging few snaps vs the Chargers before seeing more time vs the Commanders. Bech logged 1 catch for 10 yards in one target, though he did start to see more play time after pushing for his spot back. Dont’e Thornton was the Raiders starter most of pre-season and the 6’5, 4.3 speed WR has flashed at times. He’s logged 5 receptions for 94 yards but the largest struggle has come with his ability to create separation underneath. Prior to today’s game, Thornton is averaging just 1.3 yards of separation which is bottom 10% in the NFL. Largely due to his limited route tree history and need to develop route running, those traits will come along but for now it’s a limit. I’d imagine the Raiders will see Jack Bech play more in the coming weeks, especially with Tre Tucker having a breakout game and being the Raiders most explosive player through three weeks. Tucker’s ability to create separation (3.7 yards average) and become a vertical threat will allow for Bech to work on the field more, especially underneath as a safety valve.

Rookie defensive lineman JJ Pegues and Tonka Hemingway had strong preseasons but they’ve yet to play in a game this season. The Raiders have gotten productive play from Thomas Booker and Adam Butler while Jonah Laulu has been adequate as a rotational defensive lineman. Pegues needs to add weight to his frame to eventually play more nose tackle, while Hemingway also needs to add more muscle and work more consistently at 3T and 5T unlike the wide nine he played at South Carolina at times. I’d expect to see both play more throughout the season, especially with the Raiders seemingly rotating their defensive lineman more often. For a team that lacks juice on the interior, they need to see what is possible out of their rookies. Lastly, rookie CB Darien Porter hasn’t seen much play time though his first defensive snaps came against the Commanders. Porter struggled in preseason but has taken his way into a cornerback position it seems. The 6’4 CB is an elite athlete but struggled with his technique during preseason. Porter was s developmental CB prospect, and the Raiders are going to be patient with him, especially due to his limited playtime at the position. 7th rounder Cody Lindenberg has seen time on special teams logging 2 tackles.

At this time, it would be worth being a little worried over the Raiders not seeing play time out of Darien Porter or Jack Bech with Porter having a ton of hype coming around in preseason while Bech was a 2nd round pick. Overall the lack of playtime from the two of them has been a bit of a concern, though it appears both will be playing more often. As for the third round offensive lineman, there’s no worry for their lack of playtime as neither were expected to play. In terms of the defensive lineman, the Raiders have to get them involved and they need to see what they have with rookies at that position especially given the weak play from anyone behind Booker and Butler.