The Las Vegas Raiders' wide receiver room has made headlines this offseason.
Lately, there've been the Jakobi Meyers trade and contract rumors. And earlier on, there were plenty of hyped-up moments for rookie wideout Dont'e Thornton.
But one guy has been out of the spotlight: Tre Tucker.
And there's reason to believe Tucker could be crucial in Vegas this season.
"Tucker was a third-round pick in 2023 out of Cincinnati and could be a top beneficiary of the Raiders’ offseason additions of quarterback Geno Smith and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly," writes The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue. "Tucker is small — just 5-foot-8 and 182 pounds — but separates well and has plenty of speed. He had 47 catches for 539 yards in 2024, but now that he’s paired with Smith and Kelly, this season could be his breakout."
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Especially if Meyers is moved (or throws a fit), Tucker will have to hold down a big role.
Tight end Brock Bowers might lead the receiving options in touches, but the Raiders have a lot of way to get Tucker the ball.
Because of his speed, he gets run opportunities as well as screens and gadget plays.
He may not be a traditional top receiver, but the modern NFL has found more and more ways to get speedy, smaller WRs involved in the offense.
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Kelly is a great offensive coordinator for figuring out how to use Tucker's speed to full effect. And Smith is such a pinpoint passer that if Tucker can find a way to get open or to simply outrun guys, Geno should be able to find him.
It could be an under-the-radar, super fun season loading for Tucker.
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