You can sure tell the Raiders used a lot of picks on offensive skill position players. Because they will be well-represented at this year’s NFLPA Rookie Premiere.
Only two defensive players were invited to this year’s Rookie Premiere and no offensive linemen. Which is actually right about what you expect from the NFLPA’s annual reminder that anyone other than offensive skill position players are not considered “marketable”.
Those two defensive players are edge rushers Will Anderson and Tyree Wilson.
Anderson was selected at third overall by the Houston Texans while Wilson was taken seventh overall by the Raiders.
In total, the Raiders will have four rookies at the Rookie Premiere, which is the most in the NFL.
The other three are TE Michael Mayer, WR Tre Tucker, and QB Aidan O’Connell. DT Byron Young and CB Jakorian Bennett — both of whom were drafted ahead of O’Connell — were not invited.
In total, there will be 45 drafted rookies in attendance at the event which is presented by Panini America. It will take place May 18-21 in Los Angeles.
According to the press release:
Players are selected for the Rookie Premiere based on factors such as college performance, draft status, position, and marketability, all of which affect trading card value.
Strong emphasis on “position” here.
Rookies benefit from the event by gaining insights and connections that help them develop their personal brands and careers off the field. During the event, players receive orientation on union programs and services and learn from past participants. Rookie Premiere generates numerous business opportunities for current and former players, making it an impactful event for all involved.
Rookies will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from brands such as Fanatics, EA Sports, Pepsi, DraftKings, and Procter & Gamble.
As an added bonus, it will be first time these rookies will get to don the uniform of their new NFL team.
