With the Las Vegas Raiders' first preseason game now in the rearview mirror, everyone, most critically the players and coaching staff, have a better idea of where this team stands. A lot of good and bad were put on display, but the response to this game, both the successes and failures, will be important.
The 26-man rookie class in Las Vegas also got extended run in this contest for the first time, and a lot of what fans saw confirmed what they already knew. But some players exceeded expectations, and others didn't live up to their billing. It was just one game, though; no reason to freak out either way.
That said, it's still notable to monitor how the first-year players are performing, especially compared to where they were at camp. So, after the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, let's talk to our financial advisor (which is, for some reason, me) about how the rookie stock market has shifted.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie stock report after preseason opener vs. Cardinals
Fernando Mendoza, QB
How can you not like what Mendoza put on display against the Cardinals? The rookie was poised and made high-level throws, worked through his progressions, used his legs and bounced back from his mistakes. Mendoza really has all the makings of a franchise quarterback; it was abundantly clear.
Now, he made some rookie mistakes. Mendoza threw a near hospital ball, and he took too many hits, including a sack. But there was so much more good than bad for him, so Mendoza's stock should be up. And it may not plummet for quite some time.
Verdict:Â Stock Up
Treydan Stukes, DB
It has been said that Stukes is coming along nicely at training camp as he cross-trains at nickel and safety, and 30 reps in the preseason opener should help with his learning curve. He didn't do anything exceptional or disastrous, which is fine, but that keeps his stock neutral, at least for right now.
He did miss a tackle, but Stukes also made a nice run stop. Perhaps most intriguing was that they already feel comfortable moving him around a lot, as Stukes logged seven snaps at strong safety, three at linebacker, one in the slot, 19 at free safety and 10 split between four special teams units.
Verdict:Â Stock Neutral
Keyron Crawford, DE
Crawford looked explosive, and it is easy to get excited about that athletic ability and see his obvious potential. But Crawford also overcommitted at times and made some mistakes, notably a catch and run given up while dropping in coverage, failing to set the edge a time or two and a missed tackle.
However, he was also active, logging four tackles, a pressure and two run stops. Crawford's stock is mainly down because two other edge rushers at the bottom of the roster put a lot more positives on tape than he did. But Crawford has tools to develop, and he looks like he belongs out there, physically.
Verdict:Â Stock Down
Trey Zuhn III, OL
Zuhn III didn't slide around the offensive line against Arizona, as most fans expected, but he looked rock solid at right tackle. Between pass-blocking and run-blocking, Zuhn III had no discernable errors, outside of one pressure allowed. That's not bad for a guy who never played on the right in college.
Verdict:Â Stock Up
Jermod McCoy, CB
McCoy had a rough outing in his return to action, which was 20 months in the making. Everyone saw the two touchdowns that he gave up on goal-line fades, and McCoy got out-physicaled at the top of the route on a separate play, as he gave up another reception.
But McCoy is still getting his feet underneath him in the early going here, and he was the surest tackler of the Raiders' defensive backs. At just 20 years old, at least for a few more days, McCoy still has immense talent and room to grow. After that showing, though, his stock has to be a bit down.
Verdict:Â Stock Down
Mike Washington Jr., RB
More than any other rookie, Washington Jr. earned some snaps with his performance on Thursday. Everyone knew that the Arkansas product was big and fast, but he displayed great vision and a good understanding of the offense with his reads as well, including the one he bounced for 53 yards.
Pass protection was also an area of concern for the young running back, but he picked up a nice blitz to keep Kirk Cousins clean and had a nice chip block on another play. Washington Jr. also made himself available in the passing game, which is a nice element to add. Buy your stock now.
Verdict:Â Stock Up
Dalton Johnson, SAF
Johnson was actually quite impressive against the Cardinals, and he may need to be talked about more as the preseason drags on. Not only did he look good on defense, making three tackles and forcing an incompletion, but Johnson made a nice play or two on special teams as well.
Even more intriguing is how much the staff already trusts this fifth-round rookie to play several spots. In addition to being featured on five different special teams units, Johnson played 11 snaps at free safety, nine in the slot, six as a linebacker and even two as an edge rusher. THAT is versatility.
Verdict:Â Stock Up
Zeke Masses, CB
Masses may have been the most highly anticipated Raiders rookie heading into the matchup, this side of Mendoza. But he struggled quite a bit in man coverage, giving up three catches on three targets for 25 yards and nine yards after the catch.
Also troubling was that, while Masses did make four tackles, he also missed two. That's a concern of his. Ideally, Las Vegas doesn't play quite as much man coverage as they showed in the opener, or they find a role for Masses if they do. But he didn't have his best outing with all eyes fixated on him.
Verdict:Â Stock Down
Malik Benson, WR
Maybe Benson didn't have the electric showing that many fans were expecting, but perhaps it was better that he just strung together a few solid catches to lessen the expectations. And he should have drawn a PI on a back-shoulder throw from Fernando Mendoza, but the refs didn't call it.
Still, he caught two passes for 26 yards, including a 19 yarder. One came on a seam route, and the other on a crosser. Being able to help out in a variety of ways is a great thing to display as well. If not for Jack Bech having a great showing, Benson's stock may still be up.
Verdict:Â Stock Neutral
Brandon Cleveland, DT
Cleveland was involved in a handful of tackles, but he didn't really make a statement one way or another. The defensive tackle group as a whole wasn't too impressive, though, so he is not out of the running yet. It's going to take a lot more than he showed, though.
Verdict:Â Stock Neutral
Cian Slone, DE
A new arrival!
Slone had been making noise all training camp, and he came to play during the preseason opener. Not only did he get home for a sack late in the contest, but he made two really nice plays against the run, including a chasedown tackle that surely made Maxx Crosby proud.
Verdict: Stock Up
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