ALAMEDA, Calif. – With 10 voluntary practices over the last three weeks under their belts, what’s the biggest difference the Oakland Raiders hoped to see Tuesday as they transitioned to a mandatory three-day minicamp to close out the offseason workout program?
“We’ve been working a while on some of the fundamentals that we’re looking for, so you want to see some of that, some of the growth in terms of system, understanding with the guys playing fast,” coach Jack Del Rio said after the 2½-hour session.
“I think when you look at our team right now, what I’m liking is how fast we’re playing. I feel like we’ve added team speed but we’re playing fast. We’re playing with more confidence, and that’s critical. So something we’re looking to develop, to play faster and faster, play smart and under control, be tough. But that speed is really showing up.”
Mario Edwards Jr., who had missed most of the offseason program recuperating from what was seen as a potentially career-threatening neck injury, also showed up. In fact, it was his first full practice since he suffered what he termed “a sprain in my neck” last season against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 20.
“Looks like he’s been working hard ... and doing the things he can do and he was able to join us today,” Del Rio said, referring to strength and conditioning coach Joe Gomes. “It’s good to have him back.”
Edwards, the second-round draft pick who as a rookie last season had 2.5 sacks, said: “It feels great to be back with the team out there. Working hard with the guys and ready for the next day.”
As for other rehabbing players, tight end Clive Walford was seen playing catch before practice, while linebacker Neiron Ball, cornerback Neiko Thorpe and strong safety Karl Joseph, the Raiders’ first-round draft pick, were on a side field working with a trainer. There was no sign of running back Roy Helu Jr., defensive lineman Denico Autry or free safety Reggie Nelson.
“They’re doing what they can,” Del Rio said when asked specifically of his projected starting safeties, Nelson and Joseph.
“Everybody is doing what they can right now. They’re all working really hard in the classroom. When we have walkthroughs and things, we’re doing what we can. Those guys that are mending are doing just that. They’re working hard to get back. … We know we have really fortified the back end, even though we haven’t been able to work them at full speed together just yet. It’ll be critical that we enter camp in shape and ready to roll, that we’ve taken full advantage of this time where they’re together in the classroom, they’re talking ball, they’re making their checks, they’re communicating. Then training camp will be critical.”
First, there are two more minicamp practices to complete.