RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Raiders ' preseason opener might be the most anticipated in decades. If you're about to tune in, you know why. With that excitement in mind, here are tonight's players to watch.
QB Fernando Mendoza
The number one overall pick in this year's draft is the one player everyone is eager to see. It's been nearly 20 years since the Raiders last had a number one overall pick QB debut for the team. Making this the most exciting debut for this team in a very long time. The last time Mendoza stepped on a field for a game, he hoisted the National Championship trophy. Tonight his NFL journey begins and head coach Klint Kubiak said he should see "Plenty of reps" in the game. He isn't expected to start, but the starters will likely not see a lot of time which means fans won't have to wait long to welcome their hopeful franchise QB to the field for the first time.
RB Mike Washington
The fourth round rookie was projected as high as round two. His one-cut-and-go running style perfectly fits the Raiders' zone blocking scheme and offers the ideal complement to Ashton Jeanty. Training camp doesn't allow the coaches much in terms of how well he can shed tackles being that defenders aren't allowed to take him to the ground. So, tonight he will have his first best shot to show what he brings to the table.
WR Malik Benson
The sixth round rookie has been showing up in camp and has developed a lot of chemistry with Mendoza. He has also been among those returning punts. He has a chance not only to find his way on the field with the offense, but to earn it on special teams as well.
G Caleb Rogers
The second-year guard is knocking on the door at right guard, giving Jackson Powers-Johnson strong competition. Rogers played well late last season after JPJ was lost to injury. Look for Rogers to try and open up some holes for Washington up the gut and see how agile he is to pull and block on outside runs.
T Trey Zuhn III
Through the first few days of camp, Zuhn lined up on the interior at center and guard. But over the past week or so, he's seen a lot of time as the second team right tackle. First it will be worth watching if he continues to line up at right tackle. Second, if he does, he will be tasked with protecting Mendoza. If he can hold up, he could push DJ Glaze for starting right tackle duties.
DT Tonka Hemingway
The talk of camp as he has positioned himself as the number one interior defensive lineman on this team. He finished last season strong with four sacks in five games. And he's been a weight room warrior all offseason, so look for him to show off the power to go with his quickness.
Left cornerback spot
I didn't put a name here because you should be watching every player who lines up there. From who starts to who performs the best. There is an open competition that includes former starters Darien Porter and Decamerion Richardson and rookies Jermod McCoy and Hezekiah Masses.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders preseason Week 1 players to watch is most exciting in decades
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