Cliff F. from California asks:
"Which rookies are currently standing out during practice and which ones seem most likely to start or receive more snaps at the beginning of the season?"
Let's start with the obvious choice – Brock Bowers.
The first-rounder from Georgia is currently the only rookie listed as a starter on the unofficial depth chart and it's a designation that's been earned. Through training camp, he's frequently made plays anywhere he's lined up at, which also showed up on film after the first preseason game. In the 11 snaps he played against the Minnesota Vikings, he lined up at inline tight end, slot receiver and fullback – catching two passes for 25 yards.
"You've got two young players, a rookie and a second year player [Michael Mayer], I'm not going to put any expectations or limitations on them but I think as our offense goes, so does our tight ends," Antonio Pierce said.
Another rookie that's stood out to me is cornerback Decamerion Richardson, who's made an early impression with his athleticism. He ran with the second-team defense during the preseason game, ending the day with two total tackles. He could certainly carve out a role going into the season by adding to the depth of the secondary.
Bo Palmer from New Jersey asks:
"How is Tyree Wilson playing and will he resemble a first-round pick?"
Tyree Wilson is continuing to come along with each practice.
The 2023 first-rounder looks to provide versatility as an edge rusher and interior lineman with several solid veterans in the locker room to help add to his game. The one thing Wilson certainly does well is using his sheer strength to his benefit. He got some pressure on J.J. McCarthy in the first half of the game Saturday, which resulted in a Jack Jones interception.
The Silver and Black could definitely put that to good use as the season prolongs, showing why the team selected him high in last year's draft.
Leivon Johnson from Colorado asks:
"How's the team looking so far on special teams?"
Everyone is still getting adjusted to the new hybrid kickoff rule.
There are a few things we do know however, which is that AJ Cole and Daniel Carlson are still two of the best in the league at their positions. Carlson knocked down three field goals against his former team, his longest from 56 yards out, and Cole averaged 52 yards per punt – putting the defense in great field position throughout the second half.
DJ Turner has really emerged on special teams. Pierce coined him as one of top performing players in camp. Turner caught two passes for 23 yards and a touchdown, while also notching a tackle assist on special teams vs. the Vikings.
"I feel it was a pretty decent day on special teams," Turner said Saturday. "Just trying to help the team out as much as I can in whatever role it is – on special teams, as a gunner, a returner, even on offense. It's big for me to try and contribute to help the team win, that's really the name of the game for me. Just do what I can to help out."
View director of photography Michael Clemens' top picks of black and white photos from the Raiders' Preseason Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell's (12) helmet in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50), punter AJ Cole (6) and kicker Daniel Carlson's (2) lockers in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ramel Keyton's (82) helmet in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle/guard Andrus Peat's (75) cleats in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby's (98) helmet in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Signage in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce's shoes in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) arrives to the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) arrives to the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) arrives to the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerbacks coach Ricky Manning Jr. arrives to the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) arrives to the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safeties coach Gerald Alexander before the Las Vegas Raiders' preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) arrives to the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) warming up before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Marquan McCall (52) warming up before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) warming up before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) warming up before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) warming up before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) warming up before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerbacks coach Ricky Manning Jr. walks down the tunnel before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Carnell Williams walks down the tunnel before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) waits to be introduced onto the field before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Assistant Head Coach Marvin Lewis during the national anthem before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) during the national anthem before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the national anthem before the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) on the sidelines during the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Noah Shannon (62) on the sidelines during the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Anthony Brown Jr. (13) lines up before the snap during the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) on the sidelines during the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) on the bench during the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce on the sidelines during the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Phalen Sanford (42) on the field during the preseason away game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
