Raiders training camp – Page 2

Raiders WR Bryan Edwards letting his personality shine at training camp

After a disappointing, injury-riddled rookie season, Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards isn’t letting the pressure to perform during his sophomore campaign bring him down.

And the pressure is real. He’s still running with the first unit at Raiders training camp, despite the presence of veteran wideouts John Brown and Zay Jones. Edwards owns elite size and athleticism, however, at 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds. At his full potential, Edwards simply offers a skill set that might be unique to the Las Vegas roster.

But can Edwards find his groove in 2021? According to tight end Darren Waller, Edwards is playing free and loose on the practice field, which can only help. Waller said that both Edwards and fellow second-year WR Henry Ruggs III are continuing to become more confident, and Edwards is letting his personality shine in Henderson.

“Just him out there, being free,” Waller said of Edwards during media availability on Saturday. “Not worrying about injury or anything like that. He’s just having fun. You can see his personality showing up. He’s being goofy out there, having fun, just being loose.”

That’s positive news for the Raiders. If you’re going to play like yourself, you’ve got to be yourself. It’s a process for every young player, and Waller sees both Edwards and Ruggs continuing on their path as starters for coach Jon Gruden, despite underwhelming production as rookies.

“I see those guys stepping in and doing great things,” Waller said. “Rookie years always come with some sort of challenge, some sort of adversity, and you’ve just gotta take it and keep moving on; it’s a process.”

With Edwards’ skill-set and Ruggs’ elite speed, the Raiders’ young wideouts have all the potential in the world to become a dynamite one-two combo for Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr. But that’s all it is at this point: potential.

Thus far, they’re not wilting in the Las Vegas heat. It’s early, however, and the pressure will only become more intense. If Edwards — and Ruggs, too — can continue to grow in confidence during training camp, perhaps we’ll see his personality shine when the games count for real in the regular season.

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Raiders QB Derek Carr excited about ‘stickier’ coverage by Las Vegas cornerbacks

Cornerback was a position of need for the Raiders this offseason, and they missed out in free agency. Not to worry, says QB Derek Carr.

The Raiders replenished their defense at every level this offseason, via the draft and free agency, though not all went according to plan.

General manager Mike Mayock attempted to land a big free-agent prize at cornerback but missed out on Byron Jones, who ended up signing with the Dolphins. The Raiders also reportedly signed CB Eli Apple to a bargain contract, but the deal fell through.

But not to worry. Mayock and coach Jon Gruden turned to the draft to fill the need, selecting Damon Arnette in the first round. He’s been lining up with the starting unit, along with second-year CB, Trayvon Mullen, and quarterback Derek Carr is impressed.

“I’m really excited about our corners,” Carr said from training camp on Tuesday. “The coverage is stickier. They are doing some good things, so very excited.”

It’s just an early impression from practice, but Carr’s comment is still encouraging for the Las Vegas defense. Though cornerback was a priority in the offseason, the Raiders’ group is young and mostly unproven, even behind their current starters.

Rounding out the depth chart are second-year prospects Isaiah Johnson and Keisean Nixon, along with rookie Amik Robertson. The Raiders did sign one veteran in free agency in Prince Amukamara, and he could step into a starting role if needed. Returning veteran Nevin Lawson also figures to be in the mix.

But it’s best for the Raiders if Arnette and Mullen can hold on to their starting spots. The two represent large investments in the draft and could potentially patrol the corners for years to come. According to team leader, Derek Carr, so far, so good.

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Raiders TE Darren Waller impressed with ‘fearless’ rookie CB Damon Arnette

The Raiders used a first-round draft pick in a dire area of need, and so far, TE Darren Waller likes what he sees from CB Damon Arnette.

The Raiders’ offense generates a lot of conversation, with coach Jon Gruden, quarterback Derek Carr and the unit’s young playmakers leading the way.

But it’s clear that if Las Vegas is to improve on its 2019 campaign, the defense must improve mightily. And the Raiders are depending on youth on that side of the ball, as well.

Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock selected cornerback Damon Arnette in the first round of the 2020 draft, causing some pundits to claim the Raiders received poor value from the pick. Arnette was too slow, and he wasn’t even the No. 1 CB at his alma mater, Ohio State, in 2019.

Gruden and Mayock cited Arnette’s toughness and willingness to tackle, and they also claimed he was faster than his 4.56-second time in the 40-yard dash.

The returns are early, but at least one prominent Raider agrees. Tight end Darren Waller was impressed with Arnette’s speed and attitude after team exercises at training camp on Friday, along with the overall speed of the defense.

“Yeah, without a doubt they look faster,” Waller said during his post-practice media session. “We had guys up there, I mean Damon Arnette is fearless on the outside as far as press coverage. He’ll line up against anybody.”

Waller also mentioned that second-year CB, Trayvon Mullen, carries that same confidence and athleticism.

The Raiders’ young cornerbacks have to hold up against the opposition for the 2020 season to be a productive one. Gruden already has an idea of what Mullen can do, but they’ve yet to see Arnette in a padded practice. So far, so good, however, judging from Waller’s comments.

Arnette’s attitude should help him realized his potential, and the Raiders’ brass has a lot riding on his selection. As the second of two first-round picks received in Khalil Mack trade, he’s a vital piece, at a vital position. If he can earn a starting spot this season, it will mean a lot to a rebuilding defense trying to find its way.

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