Silver And Black Pride
The Las Vegas Raiders have nine of their 11 draft picks on their 53-man roster. Let’s look at how they fared in a 25-24 Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears and what to expect in Week 5 at the Indianapolis Colts.
Ashton Jeanty:
The No. 6 overall draft pick broke through with a terrific performance. He had 138 yards n 21 carries and looked like the player they Raiders envisioned he would be when they took him out of Boise State. He had a 64-yard rushing touchdown and he added two receiving scores. This is exactly what the Raiders want to see from Jeanty.
Jack Bech:
The second-round pick played 16 offensive snaps in Week 3, an indication his play time may increase. That didn’t happen. He played just five offensive snaps against the Bears. He wasn’t targeted and he has just two catches on two targets so far this season. It’s been a slow start for a player who was expected to start. Monday, Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll said Bech needs to play more, so maybe that will happen at the Colts.
Darien Porter:
The cornerback, taken in the third round, played 17 snaps after Eric Stokes injured his knee. Porter, who has played 33 defensive snaps this season, could play more against the Colts if Stokes remains out.
Caleb Rogers:
The offensive lineman, taken in the third round, was inactive for the third time.
Charles Grant:
The offensive lineman, taken in the third round, was a healthy scratch for the fourth straight game. But he will likely be active if Kolton Miller is out for the next 4-6 weeks with a high-ankle sprain. Coach Pete Carroll said Grant may soon be ready to push Stone Forsythe for playing time if Miller is out.
Dont’e Thornton:
The wide receiver, taken in the fourth round, saw his play time down from 81 percent in Week 2 to 59 percent in Week 3 and to 59 percent in Week 4. He was targeted twice but didn’t have any catches. He missed a crucial play late. He has five catches on the season for 94 yards (18.8 yards per catch). He hasn’t been an impact player that some expected. But the reality is he’s still a work in progress.
Tonka Hemingway:
The fourth-round pick was inactive against for the third straight game after playing in the season opener. We will see if he can get back on the field soon.
JJ Pegues:
The defensive tackle, taken in the sixth round, was active for first time. He played 15 snaps had had one tackle and one pressure. He played in front of veteran Leki Fotu, who was inactive. It will be interesting to see if Pegues’ play time will soon increase.
Cody Lindenberg:
The seventh-round pick played no snaps on defense, but played a season-high low 80 percent of the special teams plays after logging a season-high 93 percent of special teams plays in Week 3.
