NFL rookies with the most to prove in Week 2 of the preseason
Week 2 of the NFL preseason is framed as a key proving ground for three rookies trying to turn early opportunities into confidence. For the Raiders, No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza debuted with 10-of-16 passing for 97 yards and a touchdown, but he completed only 2 of 6 passes when pressured. Coach Klint Kubiak plans to increase Mendoza’s first-team reps before Thursday’s game against Houston. For Tennessee, fourth overall pick Carnell Tate finished his NFL debut with zero catches on three targets; Tennessee hopes he shows early flashes of the outside explosiveness they drafted him for. For Washington, seventh pick Sonny Styles saw one 14-play series against Miami that resulted in a touchdown; questions about run fits and misdirection will be tested again in Week 2.







