As teams continue shaping their rosters and preparing for the upcoming season, CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso released his list of rookie sleepers for each AFC team, tabbing one of the Raiders' fourth-round picks.
While pointing out Jakorian Bennett's versatility, along with his 24 PBUs and five interceptions across his last two seasons at Maryland, Trapasso noted the Raiders may have gotten quite a steal by drafting Bennett in the fourth round.
"Bennett had a Day 2 grade in my scouting gradebook. He was that sticky and productive on film. Oh, and he tested like an elite athlete at the combine," Trapasso wrote. "While not quite as big and long as his first-round cornerback mate Deonte Banks, Bennett was around the football more frequently at Maryland and has legitimate perimeter-slot versatility."
One thing that excited the Raiders staff with Bennett is his speed, especially after running a 4.3 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine – the second fastest time of all participants. In GM Dave Ziegler's final draft press conference, he described speed as just one trait they liked about Bennett.
"He improved his ability to defend the football," Ziegler said, "especially making plays down the field which for a defensive back is one of the more difficult things where you're running and tracking vertical routes, your back is to the quarterback, being able to find and play the ball."
The 22-year-old cornerback has been adjusting to the pro level throughout the team's offseason program, as has rookie tight end Michael Mayer, who was highlighted on another recent CBS Sports list of "under-the-radar" AFC players who could have breakout seasons. Mayer, who Head Coach Josh McDaniels considers a leader among the Raiders' rookie class, is one of just five rookies that made the list.
"Tight ends have been heavily featured in Josh McDaniels' offense in the past, and Mayer has a skill set that should allow him to flourish," wrote CBS' Tyler Sullivan. "Throughout the pre-draft process, Mayer was commended for his blocking ability, which should allow him to remain on the field with Las Vegas throughout his rookie season. Jimmy Garoppolo has also shown an affinity to throwing to tight ends throughout his career, so the stage is set for the rookie to impress on Day 1."
View the best photos from the Raiders' second day of mandatory minicamp.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jaydon Grant (40) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) and linebacker Darien Butler (58) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback David Long Jr. (24) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (82) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Brandon Facyson (31) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Duke Shelley (23) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (42) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (94) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Chris Lacy (14) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (11) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Cam Sims (81) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Netane Muti (54) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Byron Young (93) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Neil Farrell Jr. (92), defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and defensive lineman Jerry Tillery Jr. (90) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Adam Plant (52) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman David Agoha (62), defensive end Adam Plant (52), defensive end Chandler Jones (55), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
