The Raiders have had issues getting their rookies involved with plenty not seeing the necessary snaps that most would assume they would receive when drafted as high end picks despite their needed developmental
tracks. At 2-10, Raiders rookies saw the most snaps they have all season headlined by Darien Porter, Caleb Rogers, and Jack Bech among others including Ashton Jeanty.
3rd rounders Darien Porter and Caleb Rogers were the highlights of this weeks games with Porter logging over 50 snaps which was the 3rd highest mark this season for him largely due to the season ending knee injury suffered by CB Kyu Blu Kelly. Porter flashed in his reps allowing just 3 receptions for 34 yards on 6 targets while also adding 2 PBU. Porter made two exceptional breakups on Broncos standout WR Courtland Sutton adjusting a back shoulder sideline throw well along with sticking on the hip of Sutton on a deep dig concept which allowed him to break the ball away at the catch point preventing a near 30 yard completion. This season, Porter has logged nearly 350 snaps with just 12 receptions allowed for 121 yards, 4 PBU, and a 65.7 QBR on 21 targets. Additionally, Porter has graded out as one of the best rookie CB in zone coverage with a 88.7 PFF grade. Fellow third rounder Caleb Rogers where he played 97% of the Raiders offensive snaps allowing 0 pressures, hits, or sacks while also paving the way for 4.2 ypc as a lead blocker. Rogers has struggled to see the field, with part being apparently underperformance in practice and the other being the staff’s selection of Alex Cappa or Atonio Mafi instead of Rogers. In two games, Rogers has allowed just 1 pressure and is at 4.3 ypc lead blocking. Porter will likely continue to see playtime as the season goes on with the injury of Kelly and Rogers should stick as the Raiders RG as well. Both seeing key developmental snaps will be crucial for their success into year 2. Fellow rookie defender Tonka Hemingway logged 2 pressures, a 7% win rate, and his first career sack vs the Broncos while also showing improvement as a run defender. The 4th rounder has logged just 102 snaps this year but has posted 5 pressures, a 6.8% win rate, sack, TFL, and PBU. The Raiders need to find consistency among their defensive line rotation to allow more rookies into the game.
Offensively, RB Ashton Jeanty was utilized poorly again with just 10 attempts for 30 yards and 2 receptions for 8 yards with nearly half that production coming on the Raiders opening drive. The Raiders continue to block up front with Jeanty having 37 yards after contact today including another 6 forced missed tackles bringing his total to 58 on the season which is leading all rookie running backs and among the top three in the NFL.
The Raiders drafted Jeanty inside the top 10 and fail to utilize him, even with the blocking struggles which is becoming a massive problem to an already questionable roster management decision.
In addition to Jeanty, 2nd round rookie Jack Bech finally saw the play time and capitalized on his snaps as he’s done most of the season. Prior to today, Bech a 2nd round selection had logged just 10 receptions for 114 yards and was 3/4 on contested catch situations. In his second start, Bech logged a team leading 6 receptions for a leading 50 yards while also going 1/1 on contested catches and averaging 2.17 yards of separation. The Raiders utilized Bech in the intermediate passing game on out and sideline routes allowing him to create separation with his route running and physicality as he did in college.
The 2nd round receiver is third on the roster with an average 1.72 yards of separation this season just behind Tre Tucker and Brock Bowers with fellow rookie Dont’e Thornton ranking last with just 0.97 yards per route. Like Porter, Hemingway, and Rogers it’s crucial for Bech to continue his snaps and developmental track that is needed with live action and in Jeanty’s case properly utilizing your first round selection is also a key note going forward.
