Wide Receiver – Cincinnati
5’9 187 lbs
3rd Round (100th Overall) – Las Vegas Raiders
If you were like me during the NFL Draft and said “Huh?”, you’re at the right place. The Las Vegas Raiders selected Tre Tucker in the 3rd Round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Many, including Raiders fans, are confused as everyone else. Experts and other analysts expected the Raiders to go defensive-heavy in the draft. That was not the case.
While looking over Tucker’s overall stats, you might be hoping for more. Despite the lackluster quarterback play, Tucker finished his senior year with 52 receptions for 672 yards and three touchdowns. Since his overall career stats (111 receptions, 1426 yards, eight touchdowns) are low, let’s not forget he was the No.2 receiver on this team behind fellow rookie Tyler Scott.
Although with not-so-great stats, where Tucker really made an impact was at the Senior Bowl. While many don’t watch the game, what these players do during the practices can boost their draft stock. That’s exactly what happened with Tucker. Needless to say, he was catching everything.
However, there was one thing we got to see that week, which was his speed. As a result, teams started to fall in love with the receiver. Furthermore, Tucker would show off that speed at the NFL Combine (4.4, 40-yard dash) and Cincinnati’s Pro-Day (4.39).
After a great combine showing, many experts pegged Tucker as a fifth-round pick. However, the Raiders saw something different. Was Tucker a reach here? Probably, but what got him drafted so early is his great route running.
Fantasy Football Outlook
Granted getting third-round draft capital is huge, but Tucker could make a fantasy impact as a rookie. If you’re in leagues that award kick return points, Tucker is your guy. However, the NFL changed the rule on kickoff returns but with Tucker’s speed, he should excel.
Adding Tucker to this wide receiver room and it’s a little crowded. Davante Adams is the top dog here, along with Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow. While Renfrow has been the constant target of trade rumors, he’s still on the team. Tucker is projected as the WR4 on this team and will be a depth piece. However, he could be used on jet sweeps and have some boom games. Right now, he would be worth a late-round pick in best ball formats only.
Dynasty Outlook
As stated above, Tucker with his third-round NFL Draft has value alone. While slated as the WR4 on the Raiders, it shouldn’t take more than a year or two for him to be the WR3. If the Raiders don’t trade Renfrow, there’s an out on his contract for the 2024 season with a $5.5M dead cap. This alone could boost Tucker’s overall outlook.
Even with the higher-than-expected draft capital, dynasty managers aren’t rushing to draft Tucker. On average, Tucker has been a late-round rookie pick. Mostly going undrafted in most, he’s worth an add to your taxi squad.
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