Darien Porter, the Raiders’ third-round pick from the 2025 draft, has officially regained his starting job on defense. He logged a massive 79 percent of defensive snaps in the team’s tough 33-30 home loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, significantly out-snapping rookie Zeke Masses, which tells you everything you need to know about the shakeup on that side of the ball.
The Young Guns Stepping Up (and One Big Question Mark)
Coach Klint Kubiak didn’t mince words, saying he likes Porter’s makeup. But let’s be real, this is a fluid situation, and Porter has to keep proving he deserves that starting gig. It’s a huge opportunity, though, and you’ve gotta be hyped for a guy stepping up like that.
Then there’s Caleb Rogers, another third-round pick, who got a serious shot. He played every snap for the second straight game after Jackson Powers-Johnson got benched. Kubiak admitted there was good and bad from Rogers against Buffalo, but he gave him props for being prepared. The big question now: is this offensive line shakeup here to stay? We’re all waiting to see.
Struggles and Setbacks for High Picks
It wasn’t all good news on the draft class front. Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick, is still struggling to find his footing. Despite proclaiming himself healthy as he’s been all season, he only played 58 percent of snaps, well below his season average. On the ground, it was a tough outing: 10 carries for just 22 yards. And those drop issues in the passing game? Yeah, they’re still there. He had a few nice moments, sure, but his overall impact just isn’t what you’d expect from a top-10 guy right now. That’s gotta be frustrating for everyone involved.
Adding to the woes, second-round pick Jack Bech is sidelined with a fractured forearm and is likely out for several more weeks. And Tonka Hemingway, a fourth-round pick, missed Week 6 with a concussion he suffered in Week 5. We’re hoping he can get back out there soon and reclaim his starting role against the Rams.
Returns and Roles
On a brighter note, fourth-round wide receiver Dont’e Thornton is finally in his 21-day practice window to return from a hamstring injury. He could be activated this week, and getting him back on the field could provide a much-needed spark for the offense.
As for the other 2025 draftees, offensive lineman Charles Grant, also a third-rounder, didn’t see any offensive snaps but logged six plays on special teams. Sixth-round defensive tackle JJ Pegues was active for only the second time this season, partly because Hemingway was out, and he got in for three snaps. Seventh-round pick Cody Lindenberg contributed 19 snaps on special teams. Every snap counts, right?
So, the Raiders are heading home again this Sunday, set to face the Los Angeles Rams. It’s a critical game to see if Darien Porter can solidify that starting spot and if Caleb Rogers’ new role sticks. Keep an eye out for Dont’e Thornton’s potential return and if Tonka Hemingway can get back on the field. The early season is all about finding who’s stepping up, and right now, the spotlight is definitely on these young guys.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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