There’s a lot to like about Luke Masterson. He went from undrafted free agent to starting seven games in his rookie season in 2022.

He carried that momentum into a reserve role on the defense in 2023. At the beginning of the year he was the third linebacker and saw a little bit of action in each game. By the end of the season Masterson saw very few snaps. He played 22 snaps in Week 15 but two or fewer in every other game from Week 14 on.

It isn’t going to get any easier for Masterson to carve out a role. The Raiders used a fifth-round pick on Tommy Eichenberg. The Ohio State ‘backer could push Masterson for the role of third linebacker.

Eichenberg is a classic, tough linebacker. B/R scout Matt Holder highlighted his old-school skill set in his scouting report:

“He’s a good run defender with impressive instincts who clearly loves contact, as he’s physical at the point of attack and comes downhill with a flurry. He also has a relentless motor and is tough as nails, which he proved by playing with two broken hands at the end of the 2022 season.”

Telesco brought in Eichenberg so he’ll get every chance to carve out a role, even as a Day 3 pick. Masterson, meanwhile, will need to prove that he has higher upside than Amari Burney and Darien Butler, who will also be competing for roster spots.