Raider Rookie Minicamp

var8rfan · 05-11-2008, 09:49 AM

By Bill Soliday
COLUMNIST

Quote:

(05-10) 19:24 PDT -- Darren McFadden isn't a know-it-all rookie, but the Raiders are working on it.

Two weeks after drafting him fourth overall, the Raiders handed their new star running back a playbook that's as thick as it is complex.

After all, before McFadden can school the NFL with talent that can't be taught, the Raiders want to teach him exactly what he should be doing out there.

"It's different," McFadden said at rookie minicamp Saturday in Alameda. "They hand you a playbook with pens and highlighters in there with a notebook to take notes.

"That's something you don't get in college. If you want to take notes, you have to come with your own stuff. So, I knew it was serious once they handed a playbook out like that."

Of course they're serious. The season opener is exactly four months away.

There are offensive concepts to grasp, zone-blocking schemes to study, foreign terminology to decode, fundamentals to master.

The sooner McFadden aces the class work, the sooner he can go about becoming the greatest Raiders running back since Bo Jackson.

"I don't think there's any question about that," running backs coach Tom Rathman said. "It all goes back to the No. 1 thing - you've got to be a good fundamental football player, and that's what we're working on right now."

This weekend's rookie minicamp, which ends today, has been three-parts study and one-part play. McFadden's first official business in the NFL didn't involve grass stains. He went to a team meeting where coaches installed the offense for Friday's first practice.

"I feel like the leap from high school to college is just like the leap from college to the NFL, just more complex," McFadden said. "I don't feel like they threw too much at me yet. It's just basically running plays and pass protection that I'm trying to catch onto now."

Raiders coach Lane Kiffin is going easy for a reason. He coached Reggie Bush at USC and milked him for every versatile talent that first year.

"Yeah, you've got to be really careful," Kiffin said. "We kind of made that mistake with Reggie. You get a guy who can do so much, and you get him doing everything and they don't get really good at one thing.

"Last thing we want to do is take away from what he's here to do, and that's run the ball."

Well, maybe not the last thing. McFadden does too much, too well to stick him in an I-formation box.

In two days of practice, he has sprinted around the edge, powered inside the middle, run routes as a wideout and caught passes out of the backfield. He even lined up at quarterback.

No play stood out more than the last of Saturday's practice.

McFadden grabbed a counter pitch, accelerated around the left corner, cut inside a singled-out linebacker and burst down the sideline for what would have been Touchdown, Raiders.

"This is the fun part for him," Kiffin said about practice. "It's what he does best."

Most impressively, he did it using a technique he picked up in the classroom. Rathman told McFadden to lock his elbow just right because his 15 fumbles last season were no accident.

All those drops are just proof McFadden is mortal after all. A supremely gifted mortal at that, but one who knows there remain lessons to be learned.

"I know it's good to only throw a few things at you just so you can understand and get the concepts," McFadden said. "Once you get the concept or the first part of it, it's a lot easier to catch on to the rest of it when they throw it at you.

"There's still a lot of things that I have to learn."

var8rfan · 05-11-2008, 09:52 AM

Raiders RB Bush is in rookie minicamp after missing 2007
Back at square one
By Jason Jones
Last Updated 12:09 am PDT Sunday, May 11, 2008
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C1

Quote:

ALAMEDA – "I'm kind of nervous. I haven't seen this in a while."

Raiders running back Michael Bush wasn't referring to the football field when he made that statement, rather the media throng as he sat behind numerous microphones.

The same can be applied to the media.

It has been a while since Bush was in the football spotlight. His last taste perhaps came in the fall of 2006, when he was a Heisman Trophy hopeful for Louisville. Then came a broken right leg in the season opener against Kentucky.

Suddenly Bush became a man on the mend, a stint that lasted through 2007 after the Raiders selected him in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

And because he spent last season on the physically unable to perform list, Bush is eligible to participate in this weekend's rookie minicamp.

It's not exactly how he envisioned things in the fall of 2006.

"It's awkward, but at the same time, I love it because I've been out of football," Bush said. "And I'm just glad to be doing football plays and getting out there and running around and showing the coaches that I'm healthy and that I'm fine and I'm ready to play."

The Raiders' decision not to release LaMont Jordan last fall kept Bush from joining Oakland's backfield in 2007. Bush was allowed to practice with the team toward the end of last season, but once the Raiders didn't activate him, he went back to individual workouts.

The meeting room for running backs remains crowded. Dominic Rhodes is gone, but the Raiders selected running back Darren McFadden with the fourth overall pick in last month's draft. Bush watched the draft and was puzzled that the team would add to its deepest position.

"At first I was like, Why do we need another back?, because, at the time, we did have Dominic, and LaMont still on the roster, and (Justin) Fargas and me," Bush said. " … It kind of bothered me, but it didn't because he can help us. … I'm glad that he's on our side."

The buzz about McFadden was considerable coming off his All-America season at Arkansas. Bush, who rushed for 2,508 yards and 39 touchdowns for Louisville, might have had the same hype if not for his injury.

"Actually, I was watching the game when he broke his leg," McFadden said. "It was the only time I really got to see him play."

They have seen a lot of each other this weekend. When they're not rotating plays, they're on the field together to give the Raiders' offense some new looks.

McFadden is known as a speedster, and Bush is different from the other Raiders running backs mainly because he looks more like a linebacker. Listed at 6-foot-1, 245 pounds, he spent a lot of time solidifying his frame in the weight room.

On the field, Bush moves fine and says the knot in his shin is the only reminder of his broken leg. He's eagerly awaiting the exhibition season so he can hit someone for the first time in almost two years.

"I think Michael's in a great place right now," coach Lane Kiffin said. "It was a good challenge for him for us to have drafted Darren, for him to see that. It's kind of similar to what Justin went through last year … Rhodes comes in, LaMont's here, and Fargas just keeps working and working. I think it's going to continue to show up, and we'll keep using (Bush) in different ways as camp goes on."

That just wasn't coach-talk from Kiffin.

Bush said he was "happy" the Raiders drafted McFadden and that he would play special teams just to get on the field.

"I think the coaches still know what I can bring to the table, as well," Bush said. "I've never doubted myself at any point. And as far as team-wise, bringing in the best guy that was on the board at the time is good because it'll also help us out as a winning team."

var8rfan · 05-11-2008, 09:58 AM

By DeMarcus Davis, SBReport.net Staff Journalist

Quote:

Todd Watkins, wide receiver: This kid bounced around the NFL via the practice squad; first with Arizona and then with Atlanta where he was subsequently released. Watkins showed he had great hands and snagged every ball tossed to him. Low passes, bullets behind him, far reaching receptions, and even climbing the ladder to make wonderful full outstretching grabs out of thin air. The only downside that I saw this weekend is that he’s a bit under-sized (skinny), but he’s a gamer. I wouldn’t be surprised if he made it to training camp. It’ll be tough for him to crack this already crowded roster, but it surely wouldn’t hurt the Raiders to keep him on the practice squad just in case.

Chaz Schilens, wide receiver: Big target, kind of slow and didn’t keep his hips down going into his cuts. When he did keep his backside down, he sometimes slipped in the 8-foot-tall grass or tripped over his shadow it seemed. I expected more out of the second day draft selection. Perhaps he was a bit nervous being at this level and the added pressure of other wide receivers competing for one, maybe two spots on the roster that’s getting to him. For his sake, I hope Chaz comes around.

David Lofton: Yup…dad’s little boy is trying out for the Raiders as a defensive back. While playing safety during a non-contact drill, Lofton reacted to a pass in his zone and closed in for the kill. Fortunately for the receiver (and his chance at making the squad), he veered off just slightly to not hit full head on with that receiver. Even still, he had enough momentum and angle to make enough contact to generate a large “SMACK” sound. Normally, a “SMACK” sound is okay because folks have pads on and that’s what a hit should sound like. But these guys were in shorts and jerseys…nothing more. So, that ‘SMACK’ sound was not welcome sound to the coaches or both players. Fortunately, no one got hurt. Peer pressure and fraternal pressure (the old man) maybe finally got to him. Who knows?

Trevor Scott: He’s tying to shed the ‘Tyler Brayton’ role of defensive lineman by making some nice plays in the backfield today; something that Brayton had difficulty doing before he left Oakland.

Silver and Black Report - Providing 24/7 coverage of the Oakland Raiders

Coachnorm · 05-11-2008, 10:33 AM

RAIDERS MINICAMP REPORT

Posted by Michael David Smith on May 10, 2008, 2:24 p.m.
ProFootballTalk.com

Here’s a look at the developments at this weekend’s Raiders minicamp, in One-Liner style.
WR Chaz Schilens says he’s committed to football, but if he doesn’t make the Raiders’ roster he has opportunities to play baseball.
Coach Lane Kiffin says of RB Darren McFadden, “It’s so easy for him to run really fast. He’s running by people and it doesn’t look like it’s really hard to do.”
Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has shaved his long hair.
Said Kiffin of rookie mistakes in minicamp practice, “So many of these times, you see guys going the wrong way, run into each other, balls on the ground.”
Kiffin also says at minicamps, undrafted rookies often look better than drafted players: “You’re going to have some guy in a drill, who is a free agent, and he’s going to look better than some guy you drafted in the third or fourth round.”
QB Sam Keller was brought in for a workout.
S Tyvon Branch is hoping to earn a roster spot as a kick returner.
Says DE Trevor Scott of getting drafted, “Even though it was a late round, I wasn’t even expecting late round. I was expecting free agency.”
K Andrew Larson of Cal spent almost all of his time Friday alone with a member of the coaches’ support staff.
WR Jonathan Holland, who spent 2007 on injured reserve, was held out of practice by the training staff.

I have also read that McFadden was being thrown to a lot and looked good doing it. Looks like the Raiders are really going to give McFaddy a chance to get the ball in space this year. I have to be delighted to hear that RB Michael Bush is participating in the first camp of the year.

var8rfan · 05-11-2008, 08:46 PM

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer

Quote:

Day 3 snapshots:

– Who says the Raiders don’t blitz? Inside linebacker Shane Simmons blew through untouched up the middle and dropped Otis for a loss.

– Wide receiver Will Buchanon broke free between Nick Sanchez and Dominic Patrick but couldn’t hold on to a slightly off-target pass from Sam Keller on a deep sideline pattern. Keller also misfired to an open Todd Watkins against the coverage of Patrick and Brian Williams.

Watkins had his second straight impressive day after struggling on Day 1.

– Fifth-round draft pick Trevor Scott beat left tackle Brandon Rodd with an outside rush and force Otis to look for room up the middle.

– Nice day for defensive tackle George Chukwu, a tryout player out of Rice. Chukwu blew up one rushing play, knifing through against running back Louis Rankin, and then pounced on a fumbled snap by Otis at quarterback.

– Otis connected on a fade pattern for a touchdown over Patrick to seventh-round draft pick Chaz Schilens.

– One new face on the Raiders coaching staff belongs to John Fassel, son of former NFL head coach and Raiders assistant coach Jim Fassel. Fassel is an assistant special teams coach under Brian Schneider.

– The Raiders have not signed veteran defensive end Greg Spires but hope to finalize a deal as soon as today. The word is they have inquired about free agent wide receiver/kickoff return specialist Koren Robinson but have had no serious talks about bringing Robinson in.

– Wide receiver Arman Shields missed practice Sunday to be with his graduating class at Richmond.

– Kiffin said he expects “97 to 98 percent” attendance when the Raiders begin voluntary organized team activities, which run Tuesday through Thursday. There is media availability scheduled for Thursday.

OTA practices are instructional in nature with no contact.

– After saying Friday that wide receiver Jonathan Holland had been held out of practice by the training staff, Kiffin said Sunday Holland actually was not eligible for the rookie minicamp because he spent last season on injured reserve, as opposed to the Physically Unable to Perform list. Holland worked out virtually every day alongside Michael Bush last year, but since Bush was on PUP, he was eligible and Holland was not.

Kiffin said Holland is expected to attend OTAs starting Tuesday.

var8rfan · 05-11-2008, 08:51 PM

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer

Quote:

Even if Darrick Brown and Marcel Reece never make it to training camp, at least they’ll have a nice shiny Raiders helmet to put in their trophy case.

As the Raiders concluded a three-day rookie minicamp Sunday, Brown and Reece were given helmets as a reward, with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan giving one to Brown and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp handing one to Reece.

“(They were) best effort guys, one on offense, one on defense, doing what we talked about on the first day,” coach Lane Kiffin said.

Brown, who played cornerback, was signed as an undrafted free agent out of McNeese State. Ryan told the group Brown showed improvement every day. Reece, who would seem to have a good shot at being signed to a contract, was in on a tryout basis and played wide receiver, tight end and even a little running back.

Besides being award for their level of effort, Brown and Reece happen to be two of the most physically imposing rookies in camp.

A rangy 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Brown was a Louisiana long jump, triple jump and high jump chapion in high school as well as a standout on the McNeese State track team. In fact, all his college highlights listed at the Raiders Web site have to do with his track career.

Brown, who also played some wide receiver in college, had 34 tackles and a fumble recovery as a senior at McNeese State. His brother Marcus, who went to the same school, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals.

At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Reece was second in receiving at the University of Washington with 39 receptions for 761 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 19.5 yards per reception.

Reece had a big gainer during practice Sunday when quarterback Jeff Otis play-faked to Michael Bush and hit him in stride with a reverse roll.

I wasn't really sure who Marcel Reece was so I looked him up:

YouTube - Marcel Reece NFL Pro Day

Damn impressive for a big guy.

Sgt John · 05-11-2008, 09:00 PM

Thats a fast moving big man. How did he go undrafted.

Coachnorm · 05-12-2008, 11:33 AM

The San Francisco Chronicle, citing an unnamed source, reported that the Raiders have agreed to a one-year deal with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Greg Spires.

ESPN - Report: Raiders agree to deal with defensive end Spires - NFL

var8rfan · 05-14-2008, 05:15 PM

Not sure how I feel about Spires. I know he did very well with the Bucs, but he was let go for a reason.

Raiders did sign Reece though:

Raiders | Team signs Reece
Wed, 14 May 2008 09:42:02 -0700

The Associated Press reports the Oakland Raiders signed free-agent WR Marcel Reece (Dolphins) Tuesday, May 13. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.


05-11-2008, 09:00 PM	#7
Sgt John Genibus Nitito Canus Premium Member Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Taylor, TX Posts: 5,379 vCash: 85172 Donate Blog Entries: 2	Thats a fast moving big man. How did he go undrafted. __________________ 2008 Black Knights Football - 12 wins isn't enough

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05-11-2008, 10:33 AM	#4
Coachnorm Bloggin' Outlaw Premium Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 11,509 vCash: 2406 Donate Blog Entries: 13	RAIDERS MINICAMP REPORT Posted by Michael David Smith on May 10, 2008, 2:24 p.m. ProFootballTalk.com Here’s a look at the developments at this weekend’s Raiders minicamp, in One-Liner style. WR Chaz Schilens says he’s committed to football, but if he doesn’t make the Raiders’ roster he has opportunities to play baseball. Coach Lane Kiffin says of RB Darren McFadden, “It’s so easy for him to run really fast. He’s running by people and it doesn’t look like it’s really hard to do.” Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has shaved his long hair. Said Kiffin of rookie mistakes in minicamp practice, “So many of these times, you see guys going the wrong way, run into each other, balls on the ground.” Kiffin also says at minicamps, undrafted rookies often look better than drafted players: “You’re going to have some guy in a drill, who is a free agent, and he’s going to look better than some guy you drafted in the third or fourth round.” QB Sam Keller was brought in for a workout. S Tyvon Branch is hoping to earn a roster spot as a kick returner. Says DE Trevor Scott of getting drafted, “Even though it was a late round, I wasn’t even expecting late round. I was expecting free agency.” K Andrew Larson of Cal spent almost all of his time Friday alone with a member of the coaches’ support staff. WR Jonathan Holland, who spent 2007 on injured reserve, was held out of practice by the training staff. I have also read that McFadden was being thrown to a lot and looked good doing it. Looks like the Raiders are really going to give McFaddy a chance to get the ball in space this year. I have to be delighted to hear that RB Michael Bush is participating in the first camp of the year.


05-12-2008, 11:33 AM	#8
Coachnorm Bloggin' Outlaw Premium Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 11,509 vCash: 2406 Donate Blog Entries: 13	The San Francisco Chronicle, citing an unnamed source, reported that the Raiders have agreed to a one-year deal with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Greg Spires. ESPN - Report: Raiders agree to deal with defensive end Spires - NFL


05-14-2008, 05:15 PM	#9
var8rfan A.D.I.D.A.S Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rocky Mount, VA Posts: 2,511 vCash: 39463 Donate	Not sure how I feel about Spires. I know he did very well with the Bucs, but he was let go for a reason. Raiders did sign Reece though: Raiders \| Team signs Reece Wed, 14 May 2008 09:42:02 -0700 The Associated Press reports the Oakland Raiders signed free-agent WR Marcel Reece (Dolphins) Tuesday, May 13. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.