Five takeaways from first week of Raiders OTAs
Storylines include Darren Waller's ascension, Brandon Parker being floated as a possibility at guard, Arden Key's battle to get stronger, Doug Martin becoming a mentor and Antonio Brown's absence from the first practice.
Five takeaways from the first Week of Raiders organized team activities (which included one day of media access):
1. Darren Waller gets his shot
The Raiders’ biggest offseason loss was tight end Jared Cook, who signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency. Cook caught 68 passes, tying Jalen Richard for the club lead, and led the Raiders with 896 receiving yards. Yet the Raiders made almost no effort to bring back Cook at age 32.
Waller, 26, was a waiver claim last Nov. 27 season from the Baltimore Ravens. Twice suspended while caught up in a cycle of drug and alcohol abuse that started when he was 16, Waller has been honest and open about his mistakes and has dedicated his life to sobriety day by day.
He’s a big, fast, talented player who will be given every opportunity step into the void left by Cook.
“Since the time he’s walked in here, he’s been one of the most impressive guys on our team,” coach Jon Gruden said. “He learns fast. He is fast. He’s extremely talented. I think he’s going to be one of the best kept secrets in the league. I really believe he’s got a future if he keeps working like he is.”
2. Brandon Parker could move inside
A rookie third-round draft pick from North Carolina A&T, Parker had to play earlier than expected when Donald Penn was lost due to injury. He struggled mightily and was extremely hard on himself.
The Raiders have kept Kolton Miller at left tackle, while having free agent Trent Brown on the right side. Parker was working on both sides and could a swing tackle, able to play either side in the vent Miller or Brown are injured.
Unprompted, Gruden offered up another possibility.
“He may end up being the left guard. Who knows?,” Gruden said. “He may end up starting somewhere down the road again.”
Left guard was capably manned by Kelchi Osemele from 2016 through 2018. Osemele was traded to the New York Jets when the Raiders determined the $9.7 million in salary (and $11.2 million in 2020) were too high a price.
Denzelle Good gets first crack at left guard (with Gabe Jackson remaining on the right). Richie Incognito could arrive at some point once he straights out issues with the NFL related to an outburst at a funeral home while making arrangements for his father.
But with Parker having spent much of the offseason living with (and eating with) Jackson, he could be suited to be an inside power blocker along the lines of Jackson.
3. Status quo on Arden Key
The Raiders had hoped to pack some pounds on second-year defensive end Arden Key, whom they regarded as a first-round talent a year ago who slipped because of some issues at LSU. Key played in the 240s last season and was overmatched by tackles who outweighed him by 60 pounds more.
At first glance, Key still looks to have a relatively slender build. Miller, for example, clearly looks bigger and stronger. With Key, it may take some time.
“We’d like to see Arden be 260 pounds, 270 pounds some day,” Gruden said. “He’s working toward that . . . he has to get stronger to be more complete. I think it’s going to take a little time, but he’s working at it. I have a lost of respect for that.”
The Raiders strength and conditioning department is now led by A.J. Neibel, who arrived from the Atlanta Falcons. Gruden’s hiring of Tom Shaw turned out to be a mistake, as Shaw was an in-season firing.
4. Martin embraces mentor role
Much is expected of Josh Jacobs, the running back drafted in the first round out of Alabama. But the Raiders are taking it slow with Jacobs at the outset as he was participating in walkthroughs but not the team sessions that were open to the media. No reason was given, although Jacobs had a groin issue that limited his ability to run for scouts leading up to the draft.
In the meantime, Doug Martin, the Raiders’ leading rusher last season with 723 yards in 16 games with nine starts, is back in the fold, wearing his old uniform No. 22, and embracing the idea that he will help bring along Jacobs. Martin was re-signed after Isaiah Crowell tore an Achilles’ during a workout and was placed on injured reserve.
“it’s not something I’m used to but it’s something that I want to do. I’ve been in the league eight years,” Martin said. “I’ve been in the whole spectrum of good-to-bad in this league and if I can teach somebody, if I can teach Josh on what to do, what not to do, how to stay in on the narrow path and just keep his eye on the goal then I’m here for that, and yeah I’m grateful.”
5. Antonio Brown’s absence much ado about nothing
Lots of Twitter chatter from Pittsburgh when Brown turned up missing during the first “voluntary” practice of OTAs. He wasn’t missing, really. He’s been at the facility regularly since being acquired, has put in a lot of time with Derek Carr and was back at practice Wednesday.
“I wouldn’t read much into this, but I’m sure people will,” Gruden said.
Brown’s personality can be a little erratic but his work ethic is unquestioned. And you can pretty much count on Brown doing everything in his power to have a big year with the Raiders and prove to everyone in Pittsburgh wrong.
So until absences start to pile up or things get strange, getting worked up over a missed “voluntary” session shouldn’t move the needle in terms of concern.
“He works hard and it kind of translates and everybody sees how hard he works and he’s always putting in that extra effort,” wide receiver Tyrell Williams said. “Just being able to watch the guy who is one of the best receivers, to see how he works and how he runs certain routes, it’s just fun to watch and learn.”