The Raiders are counting on their NFL draft class to contribute right away, with several members playing prominent roles on offense and defense.
That's why those rookies saw action in the preseason opener when the veterans did not. Workloads didn't diminish during Thursday's 33-26 exhibition victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Let's take a look at how each draft pick, and a few undrafted rookies, fared in this contest:
DE Clelin Ferrell
The No. 4 overall NFL draft pick got his name called twice in Arizona, neither time in flattering terms. He was penalized for illegal hands to the face twice in five snaps, infractions that should be easy to clean up technically.
He had a tackle and a quarterback pressure over 18 defensive snaps, a small sum considering the Raiders dominated the Cardinals attack. He was also impactful in the run game, which is why head coach Jon Gruden wasn't worried about the penalties.
"He got careless with his hands," Gruden said. "He played pretty good. I thought his snaps were good. They may not show up in the stat sheet, but he's a factor on running plays, a factor in pursuit. But we've got to clean up his hands, no doubt.
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RB Josh Jacobs
The Alabama product was the rookie of the game for sure, totaling 21 yards on four carries, including three consecutive rushes of six yards or more.
He ran smooth, proving adept at finding small pockets of space to squeak out extra yards while always running downhill.
Jacobs believes he could've done better, but was ultimately satisfied with his NFL preseason debut.
"Because of how I did today, just getting a feel for it after not playing the last game," Jacobs said, "I think I did alright."
That might be a bit modest. Jacobs was efficient and impactful, creating curiosity for how he'll do with a full workload.
S Johnathan Abram
The Raiders moved their final first-round NFL draft pick around quite a bit. He played deep and in the box, with a few snaps either blitzing or faking blitz from the line of scrimmage.
He had one tackle and missed another, per analytics site Pro Football Focus, but showed good communication with fellow safety Karl Joseph in the back.
CB Trayvon Mullen
The second-round draft pick did not suit up for this game. It's uncertain at this time why he didn't play.
DE Maxx Crosby
The Eastern Michigan product is out recovering from surgery to repair a fractured hand.
TE Foster Moreau
The LSU product worked with the first and second units against the Cardinals. He played 18 snaps, 13 of them as a run blocker and one more as a pass protector. That should mimic his in-season responsibilities as a blocker and occasional receiver. He was not targeted in four reps as a receiver.
WR Hunter Renfrow
The fifth-round draft pick was targeted twice and caught both passes for 26 yards, including a 19-yard reception that was good for a first down. He worked with Mike Glennon's second unit, while Ryan Grant was used with the starting group.
Renfrow was his usual, reliable self, though Grant's play in two preseason games may have re-opened the slot receiver competition. Both guys have had their moments recently. It will be interesting to see who emerges as the top option.
DE Quinton Bell
The seventh-round draft pick had one quarterback pressure in 15 pass-rush snaps. He looks raw at times up front, a guy with tools who needs a great deal of refinement. He also played a lot on special teams, and was penalized for running into the kicker.
The Raiders would seemingly prefer to put him on the practice squad, and it's possible they could pass him through waivers and get him there.
Undrafted rookie highlights
UC Davis alum Keelan Doss caught all five of his targets for 38 yards, including a 20-yard downfield strike. That marked a second straight productive game for Doss, who caught a touchdown in the exhibition opener. …Punter A.J. Cole, who bet out Johnny Townsend, had a strong showing yet again. He averaged a 43.4-yard net, with three of five punts placed inside the 20-yard line. …Fullback Alec Ingold was an effective blocker against the run and pass, another decent effort while Keith Smith is nearing a full return to action after knee surgery. … Defensive tackle Anthony Rush continued his push for a roster spot with two run stops and two quarterback pressures against Arizona. … Cornerback Keisean Nixon performed well, with five tackles and three receptions allowed on five targets for a mere 26 yards.
