Raiders rookie gets rave review from Antonio Pierce: 'This dude is special'

Mike Moraitis

Raiders rookie gets rave review from Antonio Pierce: 'This dude is special' image

There has been no shortage of praise for Las Vegas Raiders 2024 sixth-round pick and running back Dylan Laube, who has managed to stand out throughout the offseason.

First, Laube had a strong showing during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, and now he's carrying that over to training camp, where he's shined on offense and as a returner.

Laube received the best praise yet from head coach Antonio Pierce on Friday when he called the rookie "special" and "gritty." 

"That dude is special. I like him," Pierce said of Laube, per Levi Edwards of Raiders.com. "And he's gritty. He's a gritty (running back). One thing — he surprises you with his speed. … He's going to be a difficult matchup, and it's already showing up in practice."

Laube, who has flashed as a pass-catcher in particular, entered training camp looking to secure a roster spot in a running backs room that also includes starter Zamir White, top backup Alexander Mattison, and a depth option in veteran Ameer Abdullah.

But the idea that Laube has a shot to not make the cut is quickly fading and now we have to start wondering if he can make his way up the depth chart ahead of Week 1.

Either way, simply making the roster would be a major accomplishment for the late-round pick.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.