Silver And Black Pride
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...
