5 Las Vegas players who can have a huge impact this season
Here are five players on the Las Vegas Raiders whose impact can have a major impact on the team’s success. These players aren’t necessarily stars yet, but if they can have a huge season it will go a long way for the Silver and Black this season.
Presented in alphabetical order:
Jack Bech/Dont’a Thornton:
We’re start with an either/or situation. If one of these two rookies can establish themselves as a true No. 2 wide receiver as a rookie, it will be a huge development for the offense and stretch out Geno Smith’s group of reliable weapons. What if both Bech and Thornton ball out as rookies? Well then, that would be something else, wouldn’t it?
Malcom Koonce:
Koonce, of course, was expected to be a 2024 X-Factor for the Raiders, but he was lost for the year three days before the first game with a torn ACL. Koonce is now recovered and back with the Raiders on a one-year contract. Koonce has eight of his 10 career sacks in 2023, his third season. Now, it’s time for Koonce to show he can do it again and team with superstar Maxx Crosby as a fierce pass-rush tandem.
Michael Mayer:
It’s time for Mayer to take that next step. He has not produced consistently in his first two seasons. The potential is still there and the Raiders’ new regime was happy with Mayer’s performance in the offseason sessions. If the light comes on, he and Brock Bowers can be an elite tight-end tandem.
Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Raheem Mostert:
Raiders coach Pete Carroll said he will rely on ore than just rookie Ashton Jeanty to carry the ground attack. That would indicate free-agent pickup Raheem Mostert will get some carries. The Raiders won’t need a lot from Mostert but he he can provide a consistent burst off the bench, it would go a long way. Remember, this guy is just two seasons removed from scoring 21 touchdowns.
Darien Porter:
If the rookie third-round pick can become an early starter (he was working with the first team in the offseason) and play well, it will give some instant stability to a position that has been questioned and it would bode well for the long-term outlook at the position.