When the Las Vegas Raiders traded Darren Waller in 2023 for a third-round pick, they had to replace a weapon on offense. The franchise decided to make that move with the same pick they acquired by drafting Tre Tucker out of Cincinnati.
Tucker played in the slot during college but was asked to move outside by the Raiders. He was a raw route runner and had stiff hips that didn’t allow him to change directions quickly. His speed was there, and he was able to use that early on to produce as a rookie.
Since then, he has improved as a route runner every year. It has led to an improvement to his statistical output every season.
However, Tucker could have been more of an impact player if he had consistent quarterback play. Tucker has played with Jimmy Garappolo, Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Geno Smith. All four quarterbacks have struggled with the best performance coming from O’Connell. Tucker has been running wind sprints wide open down the field and even ended up throwing up on the sideline against the Browns.
Against the Browns Tucker had 10 targets but only three receptions. A perfect example is the play below which was the first play of the game. Tucker wins off the line and wide open with a potential for huge play. Smith misses him by a yard on a play that should have been explosive for the Raiders offense.
These types of situations have been a constant for Tucker throughout his career. Hopefully in 2026 with a better quarterback situation fans can see what Tucker truly brings to the table.
