NAPA – TJ Carrie was the 219th overall pick in last year’s NFL draft, meaning he’d have to prove his mettle. Seventh-round picks aren’t guaranteed a roster spot.
The Concord De La Salle High grad impressed the Raiders early on, improved his stature throughout offseason program and training camp. By the regular season opener, Carrie was a major contributor.
He played 80 percent of Week 1’s snaps against the New York Jets, playing primarily in the nickel package. Carrie recovered a fumble allowed just two receptions for 31 yards in his professional debut, proving the game wasn’t too big for him.