Las Vegas hosts San Francisco in a pivotal preseason showdown that doubles as a talent showcase for two draft-heavy teams. The Raiders leaned into offensive weapons in April, while San Francisco stacked the trenches with defenders. In this rookie-versus-rookie environment, the biggest intrigue centers on the battles in the middle and on the edges: Charles Grant versus Mykel Williams, Caleb Rogers against Alfred Collins and CJ West, and Jack Bech squaring off with Upton Stout. Williams’ status is up in the air after a knee hyperextension, which could put more on Grant’s plate if he plays. This contest is a practical, fantasy-relevant laboratory where early-year roles could crystallize for both sides.

Bryce Huff’s presence for San Francisco adds a veteran test to the Raiders’ offensive blockers, while the 49ers’ interior-anchors Collins and West bring heft to the run game that could spell trouble for Rogers in pass protection. Bech’s versatility and Bech’s potential slot usage could force Stout and SF’s nickel package to show whether the Raiders’ second-round pick is ready for a larger role. Even if Williams doesn’t play, Grant has a genuine opportunity to turn a rough debut into a stronger follow-up against a high-caliber pass rush. The result could tilt snap counts and fantasy leverage for a handful of Raiders and 49ers rookies this weekend.

Deep sleepers can unlock upside in deeper fantasy formats by finding players who aren’t staple picks in standard leagues but show enough playmaking and path to opportunity to become weekly differentiators. This season’s list centers on players who could pop in 12- or 14-team formats, dynasty leagues, or IDP setups, offering potential late-round targets and an early-season watchlist for prospective pickups. The piece emphasizes depth-chart knowledge and scouting nuance, not merely late-round hype.

Among the names: Dyami Brown arrives with field-stretching speed and a playoff résumé that hinted at long-play big-play upside, now likely to compete for targets in Jacksonville. Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a speed-and-quick-cutting rookie to monitor in Washington’s backfield rotation, while Jaxson Dart (Giants) carries a ceiling that could materialize if he wins the job. Tory Horton, Theo Johnson, Adonai Mitchell, Keaton Mitchell, Kyle Monangai, and Tre Tucker all profile as multi-tool athletes with the chance tofactor in if injuries or inefficiencies hit the top of the depth chart. These players aren’t drafted in standard leagues, but in deeper formats they could become fantasy-relevant as the season unfolds.

Las Vegas used the No. 58 pick in the 2025 NFL draft to add Jack Bech, a physical, versatile receiver whose contact-catch ability and willingness to block align with the Raiders’ tough, run-first identity. Bech is shaping into the team’s WR3 behind Jakobi Meyers, with Tre Tucker slotted opposite Meyers and Dont'e Thornton Jr. pressing for snaps. Bech’s early path includes a reliable role in offense and a potential specialty in traffic-filled catches, a value-add for a Raiders unit looking to maximize play-action and contested throws.

Bech already earned praise from Geno Smith for his toughness and reported productive moments during practice, including a contested catch off play-action. His high-motor, every-down approach at TCU translated to the NFL expectations, and the Raiders are leveraging his run-blocking and pass-catching ability to exploit mismatches in the middle of field. If he can sustain that pace, Bech could climb the depth chart and become a meaningful fantasy option in deeper leagues, especially in formats valuing slot targets and red-zone touches.

Collin Johnson is pushing for a Raiders roster spot, leaning on size, contested catches, and a strong special-teams game to separate himself in a crowded WR room. Las Vegas has four roster locks at receiver—Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, Dont'e Thornton Jr., and Jack Bech—and Johnson is contending for the final one or two spots, a battle that training camp has intensified.

Johnson’s path is shaped by a difficult injury history and a resilient return. A torn Achilles with the Giants in 2022 stalled his momentum, but he battled back in 2023 with Chicago and remains a big-bodied, reliable option who can win 50/50 looks when a defense is in good position. His preseason showing against Seattle—two catches for 17 yards—plus standout special-teams work underline his value as a backend roster piece, not just a size-on-the-field story.

The Raiders’ competition plan makes Johnson a plausible 53-man candidate if he continues to contribute on coverage units and can translate his contested-catch ability into meaningful targets in offense. For fantasy, he’s a deep-league stash at best—likely a boom/bust depth option whose upside hinges on injuries to the top five WRs and special-teams-driven roster security.

The Las Vegas Raiders' rookies are set to report to training camp Thursday, marking a crucial period for their development ahead of the 2025 season. With head coach Pete Carroll emphasizing in-house competition, the rookies have opportunities to secure starting and key roles. The offensive unit, which struggled last season, is infused with youth and potential, highlighted by No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty as the lead running back. The battle for the No. 2 wide receiver position features Jack Bech, Dont’e Thornton Jr., and Tre Tucker, with Thornton generating buzz after a standout spring.

Questions loom over the impact of rookies on defense, particularly if veteran Christian Wilkins faces recovery setbacks. The team may turn to Tonka Hemingway and J.J. Pegues for significant roles. Additionally, the cornerback position sees the emergence of Darien Porter and Mello Dotson, both of whom are vying for starting spots. With the first report date approaching, the Raiders' training camp promises to be pivotal for these young talents.