Las Vegas Raiders: Seahawks game shows depth at wide receiver
Las Vegas Raiders: Seahawks game shows depth at wide receiver
Undrafted rookie free agents
Finally, the most impressive development from the receiving corps in the preseason opener was, perhaps, the undrafted rookies. Dillon Stoner was only targeted twice but showed his strong route-running abilities on a fifteen-yard completion from Peterman in the second quarter. Stoner also showed his ability to return both kickoffs and punts.
Even more of a standout, though, was Pittsburgh Panthers alumni DJ Turner. Turner showed off his speed and good hands, catching seven of his eight targets for 43 yards. Turner showcased his versatility as well, returning a kickoff, a punt, and even tallying two carries on the night.
The Raiders are going to have a tough time deciding which of the talented wide receivers on their roster that they are going to take into the regular season on the 53-man roster. Having too much talent, of course, is never a bad thing, but Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden will need to evaluate which of these players they will be okay with seeing on other rosters, as teams will likely be lining up to sign whichever receivers the Raiders release.
Derek Carr will certainly not lack a number of reliable options when throwing the ball this season, and one could argue that there is as much talent around him as there has ever been. The Raiders receiver room is a strong point for them this season, and what is even more encouraging, is that the veteran Raider of the group, Hunter Renfrow, is entering just his third season, and the two starters on the outside, Ruggs and Edwards, are each entering their second.
The future is bright for pass-catchers in the silver and black. Jon Gruden and Derek Carr will have plenty of toys to play with this season.
Buckle up, Raiders fans.