Since we are in the NFL offseason and training camp is almost underway, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at athletes who are flying under the radar and exceeding expectations this offseason. Some of the players are bound to have a breakout season, but the average fan may not know their name quite yet.

This first segment will feature Tre Tucker, the Las Vegas Raiders’ third-round draft selection from a year ago.

Tucker is a 5 foot 9 inch 185 pound wide receiver from the University of Cincinnati. He is only 23-years-old and was explosive when given an opportunity last year.

Even though he only caught 19 passes, he made them count as he earned over 331 total yards receiving. This is quite impressive as it is a 17.4 yards per play average. He scored two touchdowns and his longest reception was 50 yards. The Raiders and media outlets have recently named Tucker a surprise standout at Organized Team Activities or OTAs.

ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez discussed Tucker and how he has excelled this offseason in OTAs.

Tucker, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound speedster drafted in the third round last year, looked like a different player after catching 19 passes for 331 yards and two TDs as a rookie. “Don’t look at the size, don’t mention that,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said of Tucker, in competition to be Las Vegas’ No. 3 WR, behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. “Watch him play. He’s the biggest guy out there. He had a hell of an offseason. … Everything that we talked about working on, he took that to another level. And you could see the look in his eye of a confident player, of a guy that’s just going to constantly get better. He’s pushing.

High hopes for Tucker is being displayed not by his other teammates but by the most important person within the organization – his head coach Antonio Pierce. This should bring even more confidence and excitement for Tucker as he looks to cement a larger role this season. The Raiders offense is poised to breakout due to the several offensive weapon firepower athletes they have. Some include the likes of Davante Adams, new rookie tight end Brock Bowers, and running back Zamir White.

Although the quarterback situation is not the most ideal, surrounding Gardner Minshew with athletes who are confident and working hard in the offseason makes this a win, win situation in Las Vegas. Tucker is certainly going to have an elevated role in 2024, and if he can showcase his speed and explosiveness, there is no doubt he will be a standout player in year two.

My Prediction: 55 Receptions for 850 Yards, 15.45 Average, 5 Touchdowns.

In the comment section below, feel free to give your prediction and the reason behind it.