Key Takeaways:
– After the 2024 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders have signed Michael Gallup and Jalen Guyton, increasing the number of wide receivers on the team to eleven.
– Despite notable performance in the previous season, Tre Tucker’s position on the team could be compromised due to speculations of trade or cut.
– Contrary to Alex Ballentine’s belief, Tucker is not restricted to the slot receiver role only.
– The Raiders are unlikely to trade Tucker, as he is one of their fastest and most promising young players.
Raiders Expand their Roster with New Wide Receivers
The Las Vegas Raiders have recruited two fresh wide receivers, Michael Gallup and Jalen Guyton, after the 2024 NFL Draft. This move makes an impressive total of eleven wide receivers on the team roster, although this number is expected to slim down to five or six as we approach the regular NFL season.
Question Marks Hang Over Tre Tucker’s Future
Recent speculation places Tre Tucker, third-round pick by Raiders in the previous season, as a potential candidate for trade or cut this offseason. This is despite him demonstrating potential as a deep threat, with an impressive average of 17.4 yards per reception. However, Alex Ballentine, an analyst from Bleacher Report, seems to think Tucker’s days in Las Vegas may be numbered.
Ballentine, in his May 8 column, acknowledged Tucker’s contribution to the team thus far, but proposed that the wide receiver’s future role may be diminishing due to new selection. He opined, “But the selection of Brock Bowers in the first round will leave him with a smaller role than what he was projected to have ahead of the draft.”
Are Tucker’s Skills Restricted to the Slot?
Ballentine raised some eyebrows when he suggested that Tucker, standing 5’9″, 185 pounds, can only serve as a slot receiver. He stated, “However, Jakobi Meyers is also capable of operating on the inside and Bowers is going to get a lot of run from the alignment as well.” He added that if a good offer presents itself for Tucker, the Raiders shouldn’t hesitate to take it.
However, these claims have not been universally accepted. Pro Football Focus data reveals that Tucker played only 117 snaps in the slot last season while taking 216 snaps out wide. The statistics suggest Tucker’s skill sets may be more diverse than a “pure slot receiver.”
Why Would The Raiders Hold onto Tre Tucker?
Despite Ballentine’s arguments, there are compelling reasons why the Raiders may choose to retain Tucker. It is unlikely that the team could secure more than a fourth-round pick in a trade for Tucker, a sharp dip from the third-round choice they had used on him just a year ago.
Moreover, Tucker has demonstrated strong potential as a receiver. His speed and route running have earned him appreciation from his teammates, including praise from Davante Adams. Tucker has showcased that he can open up the game with his abilities, making him an intriguing weapon for the Raiders.
Thus, despite speculation, it seems premature for the Raiders to consider offloading such a promising player. Tucker’s potential to continue developing and elevating his game means he could play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s future.