Who Will Contribute Immediately from Raiders' Draft Class?

The Las Vegas Raiders made nine selections in the 2023 NFL Draft to improve their roster and find building blocks for the future.

As these rookies get familiar with the next level of football, some will be hard to keep off the field, and others might need extra time to develop and find their role on the team.

Today, we’ll look at which players have the best chance of contributing in their rookie seasons.

Let’s start with Tyree Wilson, who sustained suffered a foot injury last season at Texas Tech but appears to be ready for training camp, so there should be no limitations for him. Wilson will get a chance to come off the edge and rush on the interior, something he often did with the Red Raiders. Wilson is a bit raw as a pass rusher but has pure strength and speed that the Raiders can use immediately.

The Raiders selected Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer with their second-round pick. Mayer was viewed as arguably the top tight end prospect in the class but surprisingly fell to the second round. The Raiders signed a few tight ends in free agency, but none possess the ceiling and talent of Mayer, so he could quickly establish himself as the top tight end on the team.

Byron Young became the Raiders’ first third-round pick, a disruptive, strong, run-stopping defensive tackle with great leadership skills. His play and character should give him a great shot to get on the field early and often.

Tre Tucker was the Raiders’ second pick of the third round, a smaller, blazing-fast wide receiver who amassed 1,426 receiving yards at Cincinnati. With Hunter Renfrow’s future in Las Vegas uncertain, Tucker might see an increased chance of jumping up on the depth chart. If it’s not on the field at receiver, Tucker also could be a contributor on special teams.

Jakorian Bennett is an incredibly athletic defensive back who likes to attack the ball at the catch point, making life difficult for receivers. He also isn’t afraid to tackle, and defensive backs who tackle usually see playing time, so if Bennett brings intensity and physicality, he’ll give himself a good shot at earning snaps.

It would be hard to see Aidan O’Connell play much in his rookie season, as Jimmy Garoppolo is set to be the starting quarterback in 2023. However, O’Connell’s accuracy and decision-making could set up nicely as a developmental quarterback this season, and he might eventually step in as the quarterback of the future.

Christopher Smith II comes from a winning program at Georgia, which has won the last two National Championships. He is a smart player, and playing at a program that has put many players in the NFL only increases his chances of earning playing time in his rookie season.

Amari Burney is a raw linebacker but possesses good athleticism in coverage and showed flashes of being a run-stopper. He might need some time to develop, so he probably will not see a lot of playing time in his rookie season.

Nesta Jade Silvera was the final pick of the Raiders’ draft class and is a perfect scheme fit. Silvera can slide in immediately as a gap control, run-stopping zero-technique nose tackle. He is a very good athlete for his size and could be a surprise contributor early on.

The Raiders' offseason workout schedule is as follows:

OTA Offseason workouts: May 22-23, May 25, May 31-June 2, June 12-15

Mandatory Minicamp: June 6-8

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.