The Las Vegas Raiders begin training camp in a matter of days, as rookies will report on Sunday, July 21, while veterans will arrive on Tuesday, July 23.
The Raiders enter their first training camp under head coach Antonio Pierce with playoff aspirations, as the team acquired an intriguing mixture of young and veteran talent to fill needs after just missing the playoffs in 2023.
The Silver and Black have a ton of talent on the roster capable of putting together impressive and possibly record-breaking seasons. With training camp on the horizon, let's go through some bold stat predictions for the Raiders' 2024 campaign.
Raiders bold stat predictions
Brock Bowers will break the rookie TE receiving yards record
The Raiders' decision to pass on an impactful offensive lineman or defensive player to select Georgia tight end Brock Bowers with the No.13 pick has been highly scrutinized.
Though taking a tight end in the top 15 is questionable, Bowers' talent and versatility will be a valuable asset in Luke Getsy's offense. The 21-year-old will be used as a traditional tight end and in the slot, and will be a premier receiving threat and security blanket for the Raiders' quarterbacks.
Mike Ditka's 1,076 receiving-yard campaign with the Chicago Bears is currently tops for a rookie tight end in NFL history. The record has stood for over 60 years, but if Bowers stays healthy and lives up to the hype, the title could be his soon.
Maxx Crosby will break the single-season tackles-for-loss record
Crosby has been a tackles-for-loss machine over the past two seasons, totaling 45 since 2022, the most by any player in that span. The 26-year-old posted 23 during the 2023 campaign, tied for the most in the NFL.
Though J.J. Watt's record-breaking 39 TFLs in 2012 seems unbreakable, Crosby's relentless motor and unwillingness to come off the field, combined with the fact that he's got more help around him, could catapult him into the record books.
Raiders will have two 1,000-yard receivers
The Silver and Black's receiving duo of Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers is one of the most underrated tandems in the NFL. Despite subpar quarterback play, the pair had solid 2023 campaigns, as Adams posted his fifth 100-catch and 1,000-yard season, while Meyers hauled in 71 catches for 807 yards and eight touchdowns.
A fresh offensive approach and more consistency at the quarterback position could lead to Vegas having two 1,000-yard receivers for the first time since 2017. Adams is a lock to get there as long as he stays healthy, and Meyers or Bowers could join him.
Malcolm Koonce will post 15 sacks
Koonce had a breakout 2023 campaign, posting eight sacks and 52 QB pressures with an 81.3 PFF Grade . The former third-round pick is entering a contract year and will look to establish himself as one of the better pass rushers in the NFL.
With the acquisition of Wilkins and the superstar play of Crosby, Koonce will see a lot more one-on-one matchups and more opportunities for sacks. Though 15 sacks is a tough feat to achieve, Koonce has the talent and situation to get there.
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