The Las Vegas Raiders needed someone to silence the “Bills Mafia” crowd in Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday. And in the process, awaken the energy among the Silver and Black.
The 100th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Tre Tucker, did just that.
What Tre Tucker Pulled Off That Energized Raiders Fans
With Tucker activated ahead of the Raiders’ Week 2 road contest against the Buffalo Bills, fans wondered if the diminutive 5’9″ wide receiver would make an immediate impact next to Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow.
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And head coach Josh McDaniel didn’t hesitate to make good use of Tucker — on this 34-yard jet sweep run.
Then, Tucker showed that he can win a solo battle off speed and adjusting to the ball.
The refs robbed Tre Tucker on a big play here. #LVvsBUF #RaiderNation | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/Peaoop8GkN
— Mike Dixon (@MikeDixon_VST) September 17, 2023
Unfortunately for Tucker, that play came with a penalty marker that erased the long connection. Nevertheless, the rookie from Cincinnati provided the dynamics that got Raider Nation energized online, plus sparked strong reactions from analysts.
“Tre Tucker wow,” posted Vincent Bonsignore of the Vegas Review-Journal on X.
“TRE TUCKER!!! THATS WHY YOU HAVE HIM ACTIVE!!!” added one Raiders fan account.
TRE TUCKER!!! THATS WHY YOU HAVE HIM ACTIVE!!!
— Reigns Design (@ReignsDsn) September 17, 2023
“I like Tre Tucker,” shared CJ Errickson of FanSided.
Finally, one Raider fan didn’t hesitate to share this strong prediction.
Tre Tucker OROY
— Raider Beau (@BeauBradyYS) September 17, 2023
Was Tucker Predicted To Impact Right Away?
Pre-draft, Tucker became a dynamic wideout who got used to playing in the College Football Playoff while representing Group of Five schools with the Bearcats.
But did Tucker’s games against superior competition help or hurt his stock?
Noted by PFN’s Jason Katz, Tucker struggled statistically facing the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and even Boston College out of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Katz, however, wrote down where he believed Tucker could thrive.
“Where Tucker might carve out a role in the NFL is on special teams. He made sporadic appearances as a punt returner, but his best skill was returning kickoffs. Throughout his four years, he returned 67 kicks for a total of 1,670 yards and two touchdowns,” Katz wrote in his evaluation.
“Tucker’s special teams acumen will likely be the key to his NFL success. His college production does not foreshadow much of a role as a wide receiver.”
Still, there was the idea of Tucker potentially being as high as a fifth WR option. But now, his flair for big plays in Western New York has Raider fans thinking he could elevate himself in the WR room.