Rookie Profile: Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Las Vegas Raiders
Welcome to the Rookie Profile: Tommy Eichenberg, a linebacker out of Ohio State. He is from Cleveland, OH, and was a 3-star recruit from St Ignatius High School.
Eichenberg played in only one game as a freshman on a stacked Ohio State roster, recording only two assists.
In 2021 as a sophomore, he appeared in 13 games. His production exploded for 33 tackles, 21 assists, 1 interception, and 2 passes defended. His first stint as a full-time player showed he had the potential to be elite.
His production went to an entirely new level in 2022 as a junior. In 13 games he racked up 77 tackles, 43 assists, 1 interception, and 3 passes defended and proved to be a force to be reckoned with on the Buckeye’s defense.
His final collegiate season came at Ohio State in 2023. He recorded solid numbers once again, but an elbow injury forced him to miss three games which led to a slight dip. He recorded 41 tackles, and 41 assists before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 5 Pick 148
- The Raiders took a chance on the Ohio State linebacker on day three of the 2024 NFL Draft in the fifth round. Obviously, with him falling out of day two and into day three, it’s not a huge vote of confidence for his future fantasy value.
- This fifth-round selection doesn’t put him into the category of fantasy irrelevant, but it puts him into the late-round dart throw category. There is still a pathway to relevance here on a defense that figures to see plenty of action, but this is a play that feels like betting against the house.
Landing Spot- Las Vegas Raiders
- As far as fantasy value is concerned, the Raiders are not an ideal landing spot. As a rookie, he will find himself behind at least two premiere linebackers which could make him a long-term project.
- He has some potential in the long, but as far as immediate impact, it’s extremely unlikely that he will be a key player on the Raider’s defense for his rookie series. Consider him a rotational linebacker at best.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Developmental Linebacker
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Eichenberg possesses the passion and toughness required for an inside linebacker, coupled with the ideal mindset for the position. He exhibits strong physicality at the point of attack, yet his style is more suited to fit-and-fill roles rather than making disruptive plays in the run game.
His movement is linear, and he lacks the optimal bend, speed, and agility necessary for effective open-field tackling and coverage responsibilities. Although his production is impressive, it may not necessarily indicate a prolonged career in the NFL.
Eichenberg certainly doesn’t have the profile of a linebacker who figures to be a massive producer for fantasy leagues, but if he can adapt to the scheme and develop his game all-around then it’s possible he can be a producer at some point in his career.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
