Tuesday, April 8th, marks the first day of the Las Vegas Raiders‘ preseason training program. The next two weeks will include strength training, conditioning, and meetings.
While this is an exhilarating moment to both start meeting new teammates and reuniting with teammates from the year prior, some players have more weight on their shoulders. This is where certain players need to show how much they have developed.
This is the last chance to prove to an organization that there is one less positional need ahead of the annual NFL draft. Aside from the Raiders, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the only other team to begin OTAs up to this point.
Here are three players who need to take advantage of this period to prove their offseason development.
3 players who need to step up during Day 1 of Las Vegas Raiders’ OTAs
Zamir White, Running Back
Because of his underwhelming performance last season, it will be difficult to differ from drafting a running back in late April regardless of what happens in OTAs. However, White can still prove that he’s able to compete for the second running back spot. Raheem Mostert was signed to a one-year, $1.6 million contract this offseason. He will be White’s competition for the next 14 days.
The largest weaknesses for the Georgia alum are his vision and mobility. On field drills, No. 3 should focus on his ability to slice through small gaps. Showcasing an improvement to make a defender miss will go a long way for White.
Additionally, in the meetings, White should try to show a complete understanding of the run scheme. If two running backs are drafted, White will have a short timer on his remaining Raiders tenure.
Tre Tucker, Wide Receiver
For the most part, the wide receiver room will need additional talent as well, regardless of OTAs. The current room features Jakobi Meyers, Kristian Wilkerson, and Kyle Philips. Tucker is currently the second-best of the group and totaled 47 receptions and 539 yards last season.
Obviously, the Cincinnati alum is the fastest athlete on this roster. Because there is a need for wide receivers, Tucker needs to show that he deserves targets. Showing knowledge of the offense and progression in the strength training will be great for his stock in Sin City.
If he’s unable to do that, Pete Carroll and John Spytek may feel inclined to select a receiver in this year’s draft with one of their first-two selections. That will likely cause Tucker to slip out of the starting lineup. Perhaps he can avoid this with a strong performance in OTAs.
One more player who needs to stand out during Las Vegas Raiders OTAs
Tyree Wilson, Defensive Lineman
A former seventh-overall draft pick, Tyree Wilson has a high ceiling. However, he has struggled to show his full potential up to this point. There have been flashes, especially in the run game, but his pass-rush needs development.
The constant conversation surrounding No. 9 is his first step. These next two weeks present the perfect time for showcasing improvement in this area. The Texas Tech alum is a freak athlete standing at 6-foot-6, 275-pounds. He needs to showcase that his talents are enough to compete with Malcolm Koonce for that second edge rusher spot.
Something to monitor in the near future is a veteran signing. Such a signing may be a good indication of what the new Raiders regime thinks of their current pass-rush group.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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