Masterson Looks to Build on Strong Rookie Season

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson was one of the primary highlights of the club's class of undrafted free agents last season.

After having played just two defensive snaps in the Raiders' first seven games of the 2022 season, Masterson made the most of the reps granted to him in the middle of the season, and would eventually make seven starts that included two games with double-digit combined tackles.

Now, the second-year Raider is one of the top assets in the linebacker room, a very different situation than he was in a year ago at this time.

Masterson, however, is trying not to look at it that way.

"Honestly, I'm trying to approach it the same way," he told reporters on Tuesday. "I'm trying to approach it like I'm still fighting for a job because I am. Everyone's fighting for a job out here. I come every day with that mindset and I'm trying to treat it the same way.”

Despite beating the odds and having the rookie season he had, Masterson didn't view it as a complete success.

"A lot of ups and downs," he said. "I would say there were some good games, some bad games. I just tried to learn every week from my mistakes and try and get better every play. I'm definitely trying to take that next step this year, learn from my mistakes last year. I have some core things that I'm trying to work on and get better at."

After a full offseason, Masterson was able to take the time and evaluate last year.

"Yeah, it's hard to do that during the season," he said. "You're just week-to-week trying to win, get the game plan and get ready for the game. But after the season you’re able to take a step back a little bit and reflect, and that was really where I could see where I needed to grow. Take a step back and look at yourself honestly and see what you did good, what you did bad, and how you can grow going into this year."

The Silver and Black open the preseason by hosting the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 4 p.m. EDT/1 p.m. PDT.

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