Three Raiders players to watch in first preseason game vs. 49ers

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Aug 12, 2023 8:41 PM EDT

The Las Vegas Raiders have a huge preseason game coming up, as they have new players, former players, guys who need to prove something, and anything else you can think of, to play against the San Francisco 49ers.

McDaniels was unclear about whether the starters would play on Sunday, as he usually doesn't like giving that information out, but there are some guys we can definitely expect to see.

The Raiders have rookies that need their first NFL action and even a guy who has started games for them that needs to show improvements. Here are three players to watch in the Raiders' first preseason game against the 49ers.

Three Raiders to watch vs. 49ers in Preseason Week 1

Tre'Von Moehrig, Safety

Moehrig has had several chances to show why he is a guy to keep around after the Raiders spent a high draft pick on him just a few seasons ago. However, he hasn't gotten any better. In fact, there have been times when he has looked worst and lost on the field. This new regime may not stand for that, as he was drafted in the previous one.

The Raiders defense is counting on him. The secondary wasn't great last year, and if Moehrig is good, they can be an average unit. This first preseason game will give a glimpse into whether he has improved or not.

Aidan O'Connell, Quarterback

The Las Vegas Raiders moved on from Derek Carr this offseason and, with that, brought in Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer, and Aidan O'Connell at the position. O'Connell isn't one of the rookies everyone wanted the Raiders to select, as they were taken before the seventh pick; however, he was a high pick.

O'Connell could be a guy that takes over when Garoppolo leaves, so this preseason game is important to see how he is as a rookie and what he needs to develop as the years go by or if the potential is ever there in the first place.

Tre Tucker, Wide Reciever

Tucker was brought in or drafted, I should say, because he brings something no other receiver on the roster does: elite speed. He can play in the slot and possibly even some of the other receiver positions. Tucker has kick-return experience in college and was also brought in for that.

In the preseason game, I'm going to be seeing what kind of routes the Raiders have him running. Is he going deep every time he's in the game? Is he going over the middle? Is he running curls or comebacks? That sort of thing. I'm also going to be looking to see if he has any involvement in the return game.

Even if these guys play badly, it isn't the end of the world. None of these guys have played football live-action football in a while, and some of them have never played in the NFL. Sunday will be all about what we do see that's good and the potential we could see.