While Sunday marked the first real day of the 2026 NFL season for the Las Vegas Raiders and their fanbase, for the Silver and Black's rookie class, it was also their official debut at the professional level. Grace and room to grow need to be given to young players, especially in what is still a rebuilding year.
But as we evaluate the first-year Raiders who are in the rotation for Klint Kubiak's team, it is no longer about their stock going up or down, as it was during the preseason. These grades aren't about trends or projections; this is the regular season, so it is all about results. A report card, not a progress report.
So, let's see how the Raiders' rookies fared in their first legitimate NFL action in a Week 1 win over the Miami Dolphins. But keep in mind: This was just the first test. The semester and school year, so to speak, are not over, and one assignment or quiz won't define their final grade or graduating GPA.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie report card after Week 1 win over Dolphins
Fernando Mendoza
N/A - Did not play
If you want in-depth analysis on how close the rookie may be getting to taking over for Kirk Cousins, check out our weekly Mendoza Meter.
Treydan Stukes
Grade: A
It's hard to give Stukes anything other than an "A" after bursting onto the scene with an interception and several pivotal tackles. Stukes did whiff on one tackle attempt and gave up a reception, but he locked down the back end of the field for Las Vegas and played every single defensive snap.
Keyron Crawford
N/A - On season-ending IR
Trey Zuhn III
Grade: C
Zuhn III did not play on offense, but he did log six snaps on special teams, all on the field goal or extra point block unit. He had no discernible miscues, and the Raiders made every kicking attempt on Sunday, so Zuhn III gets a passing grade, but nothing more.
Jermod McCoy
N/A - Did not play
Mike Washington Jr.
Grade: B+
Washington Jr. didn't get a ton of opportunities, playing just 13 snaps while Kubiak rode the hot hand with Ashton Jeanty. But he made the most of his chances, rushing 7 times for 41 yards (5.9 yards per carry), which included an 18-yard jaunt. Washington Jr. didn't catch any passes, but he did block well.
Dalton Johnson
N/A - Not active in Week 1
Zeke Masses
Grade: B
All 10 of Masses' snaps came after Darien Porter went down with an injury. But he immediately made an impact, breaking up a pass thrown on his first-ever NFL snap. Masses did get penalized once, but he didn't give anything up through the air, despite the Dolphins throwing the ball on all of his reps.
Malik Benson
Grade: B-
Benson was utilized in his seven offensive snaps, being targeted twice and running the ball once. He caught one pass for six yards and had a -2 yard run, so it was a bit of a mixed bag. As a punt returner, Benson recouped his value a bit by returning two punts for a total of 35 yards, including a 23-yarder.
Brandon Cleveland
N/A - On practice squad
Overall takeaways: Even though the Raiders are a young team, only five of their 10 drafted rookies played on Sunday, and one exclusively saw special teams snaps. But those who played did well, and Las Vegas will need to lean on its young talent all season long.
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