The Las Vegas Raiders may finally have a rookie from the 2023 draft class who stands out on the offensive side of the ball.
Tre Tucker, as did any rookie from the 2023 NFL Draft, didn't have a great first year. that happens sometime when you're on a bad team with a bad culture, and a bad offense. Tucker, unfortunately, fell victim to that. But so far, he has proved that he can be a legit WR3 in this league, as he has really saved his job the last two games, as that WR3.
Sure, it's just the preseason, but he's been much better than he was before, And, he had a rough training camp at times as well, with some big drops on easy plays, and just plays he should make. But he's bounced back well, and I'm not sure any offensive player has had a better preseason than Tre Tucker.
The crazy thing is, he feels like he still has so much more to show.
“That’s what I’m excited to show, the complete route tree. Luckily, I got big bro—17, the route god…he’s put a lot of things in my route tree," Tre Tucker said after the loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
One of the most impactful decisions Tucker made was to undergo Lasik eye surgery. This procedure was aimed at correcting his farsightedness, which had previously affected his ability to judge the flight of the ball accurately. The surgery has evidently paid off, with Tucker showcasing improved catching ability, especially on deep balls, as seen in preseason games where he made notable catches that required precise tracking of the ball.
And, of course, we know another big reason Tucker has been balling is because of his work ethic this summer with Aidan O'Connell.
Tucker's performance during the preseason games has been a testament to his offseason work. He made a significant 44-yard catch against the Minnesota Vikings, demonstrating his speed and improved vision. This catch not only set up a touchdown but also showcased his ability to make crucial plays in critical moments. Additionally, his 11-yard reception on third down against the Dallas Cowboys further underlined his reliability in moving the chains, a key trait for a third receiver. And of course, how could we forget the 48-yard bomb he caught from Gardner Minshew?
Entering his second year, there's an expectation for Tucker to take a leap in his development. He's been working towards becoming a more multidimensional player, not just relying on his speed but also improving his route running, hands, and understanding of defensive schemes. His progression has been so notable that he's seen as a strong contender for the third receiver spot behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, with Adams himself expressing confidence in Tucker's potential.
This could be a huge year for Tucker, and it's only getting started.
