There has been a lot of excitement around rookie wide receiver Tre Tucker and his potential for the Las Vegas Raiders. Tucker was drafted in the third round of what is expected to be a foundational draft class for Coach Josh McDaniels' regime, showing just how highly Las Vegas' front office thought of him.
While at Cincinnati, Tucker averaged almost 13 yards a reception, as he made 112 receptions for 1,433 yards. Tucker also finished top 10 in FBS in kickoff return yards in his last year with the Bearcats. One thing that stands out when watching Tucker play is his speed.
At the NFL Combine, Tucker registered a blazing 4.40 40-yard dash time. After being deactivated the first game of the season, the Raiders immediately put Tucker's speed on full display on the first drive against the Buffalo Bills. Las Vegas gave Tucker the ball on a jet sweep, and he scampered down the field for 34-yard gain, setting up the Raiders' first score.
Tucker fully respects the speed of the NFL but shared his mindset is why he looked so much faster than multiple Bills defenders last Sunday.
"Growing up, obviously I've always been fast," Tucker told Sports Illustrated. "For me, I always tell people that no matter where I go, I want to be the fastest I want to be the fastest on the field. So, I kind of take that mindset with me.
"Yeah, it's fast, but you just have to have the mindset that no one can run with you because mindset is everything."
The Raiders play their first home game of the season on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tucker says his focus on Sunday is simply doing his job to the best of his ability.
"Doing my job," Tucker said. "Doing everything I can to help the team. no matter what it is or what I have to do. At the end of the day, a team win is more important than stats."
The Raiders will have the ability to have wide receivers Tucker, Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow on the field simultaneously, giving Las Vegas plenty of play-calling options.
The Silver and Black return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 8:20 p.m. EDT/5:20 p.m. PDT.
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