5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 12
By Brad Weiss
TD No. 1 for Marcell Ateman
The Raiders got a stellar effort from rookie wide receiver Marcell Ateman on Sunday, as he made his NFL debut as a big part of the passing game. Oakland was without Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant in the matchup against Arizona, and Ateman stepped up in a big way, leading the team with 50 receiving yards.
Ateman was the Raiders seventh-round draft pick back in April, and has spent time on the practice squad this season. He impressed the team with his play this summer, and many believed he would be picked up by another team when they cut him at the end of the preseason.
However, he has stayed on with the Silver and Black, and now looks like a player who could be a big part of their future moving forward. He has the size and speed to be a big-time player for the Raiders, and based on his height, and leaping ability, could get a red zone opportunity for his first NFL touchdown on Sunday.