Raiders' rookies weather growing pains but continue to rise to the challenge

Dec 18, 2025 at 04:00 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

In his first NFL Draft as Raiders general manager, John Spytek assembled an 11‑player class. Nine of those selections made the initial 53‑man roster, and all nine saw action in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie group also includes undrafted tight end Carter Runyon out of Towson, who logged 13 special teams snaps Sunday.

Now sitting a 2-12 in what's been an unpredictable season for Las Vegas, it's time to get a better look at the rookie class they invested in. Something that could be crucial when looking toward the 2026 season.

"Everybody's got a chance to be a starter of our guys, and that's a really good trait," Pete Carroll said of the rookies. "We just want to keep them growing and keep them being part of what's going on here. And so, they become familiar with the game, and they're comfortable with it. And so, when we come back around and it's the next turn for these guys, they'll feel like they've played a lot of football. That's the whole idea."

At the start of the season, first-rounder Ashton Jeanty was the lone rookie who received a high volume of snaps on the field.

Fourth-round receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. was also named a starter coming out of training camp, however second-rounder Jack Bech has emerged in the late stretch of the season. After slot receiver Jakobi Meyers was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, it opened up playing time for both Thornton and Bech.

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Up until Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, Bech had eight receptions for 92 yards to his name. In his last three games, he's recorded 10 catches for 89 yards.

"You have to be ready whenever your name and your number is called," he said recently on The Silver and Black Show. "It doesn't matter what position you're in. Doesn't matter if you're a 10-year vet or a first-year rookie, you have to be ready, you have to be prepared. You have to prepare like every play, every game, every practice is your last and that game is going to be the game where your number, your name is called and you're going to have to go out there and produce and help this team win the game."

Offensive linemen Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant have become integrated into the offensive line rotation late in the year. After not appearing in a single game until Week 13, Rogers has started in the last three games. Grant, an two-time FCS All-American, received a handful of reps in Philadelphia in jumbo tight end packages.

"The relationship we have in the rookie class is amazing. I love this group," Rogers said. "I love being able to be around with this group and we all just try to hold each other accountable at a high standard so that we can all be around here for a long time."

Defensively, a trio of rookies have capitalized on their latest opportunities in cornerback Darien Porter and tackles Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues.

As quick as his 4.3 40-yard dash speed at the NFL Combine, life came at Porter fast two weeks ago against the Denver Broncos. After starting cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly exited early with a season-ending knee injury, the former receiver turned cornerback stepped up with two pass deflections and six total tackles.

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has been encouraged by the subtle but meaningful strides Porter has made throughout his rookie campaign.

"His patience at the line of scrimmage, his ability to stay on top in coverage," Graham said. "Again, every defensive back is going to get beat deep at some point. So like, again, the biggest thing for me is just telling him, dude, I got all the faith in the world in you. ... He's just learning to be more confident, growing in his position."

Hemingway, a fourth-round pick from South Carolina, has posted one quarterback sack and a fumble recovery in his six games played.

"Just been doing it my whole life, staying patient and staying true to who you are," Hemingway said of earning more reps. "I'm going to be even keel just knowing that when the chance comes, I'm going to be ready. Ready to take that next step."

Heading into Week 16 against the Houston Texans, the Silver and Black find themselves in a position with not much left to lose but far more to gain to end the season. With each rep the rookie class earns, it will prepare each of them for what's to come ahead next season. And more importantly, it gives the proper eyes in the building some NFL tape to evaluate.

In reality, the future of the Raiders isn't too far off from becoming their present day product.

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Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) walks out to the field for practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.