Mario Edwards Jr. and Kelechi Osemele
These two hoggies got into two fights in one practice, which resulted in an exchange of punches. Both were booted from practice for the day. The punch was atleast hard enough for Edwards Jr. to ice his hand after practice.
Edwards Jr. will be okay. However, head coach Jack Del Rio said it was put to rest. He said it was a learning experience for everyone involved.
Shilique Calhoun
The third-round pick has been asked to drop back as a strong side linebacker. He is more comfortable rushing the passer like what he did in college. However, he accepts the challenge.
“I don’t believe that what they have me doing is outside my reach,” Calhoun said via CSN Bay Area. “I’ve covered in college, although not as much as I’m being asked to do now, and I think it’s well within my athletic abilities. There are new responsibilities, and I haven’t been put in a situation where I felt uncomfortable.”
Calhoun likes the Raiders are helping him grow while also asking him to do what he does best.
“You have to advance your skills at this level, but it was so great to hear them say they want me to be myself,” Calhoun said. “They drafted me for a reason, because they like my style of play. We’re trying to expand my repertoire a little more to counter what people have planned for you.”
Justin Ellis
How did Justin Ellis end up as the starting nose tackle headed into camp?
“Last year I ran so much, thinking that that was going to help me,” said Ellis via Silver and Black Pride. “But I was dead when I came to camp. Even though I had a solid camp last year, but I was dead. I feel like I wasn’t at my best because my legs were so heavy. But this year I worked smarter, but I also worked hard.”
As for his competition against Dan Williams, Ellis complimented the veteran.
“It’s a great competition at that spot. Competition comes with the sport, with this profession. Dan Williams is a great player and I’m working to be great. Just working hard every day.” Ellis said.
Derek Carr
The third year quarterback is finally not focused on earning a spot or learning a new offense or receivers.
The game is finally getting slower for Carr.
“I can just see things faster. The game has slowed down a lot and that’s the biggest thing. Once you’re just out there playing football and you’re not swimming mentally, that’s the biggest thing. Now, again, I’m only in my third year so I have a ways to go. But, the fact that it’s slowed down already helps me out a lot.” Carr said via CSN Bay Area.
Now, Carr can help the offense get more balanced.
“We’re past the point of the X’s and O’s stuff,” Carr said. “If you go to Amari and say what do you have on blah, blah, blah. He knows that. I know my reads, all those things. Now, it’s those little details that we always talk about. … Those things that we can get to, that’s the next step. … That’s the kind of stuff that you can do in the second year. That’s the kind of stuff you can do with a guys like Amari and Crabtree, who work really hard.”
Injuries
Karl Joseph, Clive Walford and Denico Autry all made their training camp premieres on Friday. Both players missed workouts.
Taiwan Jones also returned last week, but he was also seen sitting out after his return.
Offensive line
Offensive line coach Mike Tice talked about the line a few times this week.
Right tackle is the only position not set. Tice believes the battle between Menelik Watson and Austin Howard is going to the wire.
As for the rest of the line, Tice is happy with Gabe Jackson’s move from left guard to right guard. He called Jackson a natural fit at that position.
Tice also said the interior of Jackson, Osemele and Rodney Hudson may combine for the best interior line he has ever seen.
Connor Cook
After looking like he could be the backup, Connor Cook took steps back in camp. Beat reporter Vic Tafur went as hard as comparing him to Tyler Wilson.
Sean Smith
The MMQB wrote on article on the corner as part of their season preview. The article talks about Smith leading a secondary that will lead the Raiders to contention.
“He has such a wide radius and such long arms, that if he gets his hands on you, he’s got a chance to take you out of the play,” Raiders defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson said about Smith.
Smith said he sees that Raiders secondary was filled with talent, but they needed to go throw growing pains. Now, he is sharing knowledge.
“You don’t have to cover the whole route tree, so stop stressing. Make the game simple! Small things like that.” Smith said.
