Head Coach Jack Del Rio
The Oakland Raiders kicked off the first day of their Mandatory Mini-Camp Tuesday afternoon, as the group continues its preparation for the 2017 campaign. Following the team's first practice of the three-day camp, Head Coach Jack Del Rio met with media members to discuss the day, and team's progress.
Here are the quick hits from his time at the podium:
**As the team continues to improve, Del Rio wants to make sure the team stays unselfish.
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"I think it's about unselfishness, as guys that are willing to sacrifice for the good of the team. Everybody has personal goals, but I think when you put team goals ahead of that you're able to do something special, and that's what we're looking for."
He's focused on enhancing all three phases of the team, but thinks some of the new offensive weapons will help on that side of the ball
"To me, it's taking some of the things we were good at, and adding some of the things we want to be better at. As a football team doing what we can to win games, so it's not… I'm not really worried about stats on one side or the other, I want all three phases to be strong. I really believe we've added some weapons with 'CP' [wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson] and tight end Jared] Cook], a couple guys that'll be really good players for us."
Del Rio talked about managing expectations, and giving maximum effort every time on the field.
"What I expect is us to put everything we have out there every time we come on the field, walk out on the field. I don't spend a lot of time talking about other things beyond that, it's more about the process of putting together good practices, developing your skill, working on things like being unselfish. I think you have to train yourself mentally to work at that, so building that mindset we're going to be a resilient team, we're going to fight for sixty minutes, we're going to scratch and claw and find a way as a team to come out with victories."
He spoke about developing the players, specifically quarterback Derek Carr, and his command of the offense from the line of scrimmage.
"We want to develop our guys to the fullest, I think that's what you push for. Continue to hone your craft, sharpen your skills, build that rapport with your teammates, with him getting on the same page as all the receivers, tight ends and backs. The timing of the routes, a real deep understanding of what we're trying to get done. We've talked a lot about Derek being able to take ownership more of the line and direct things. You have to work to do that, you have to put in the time, really understand the offense inside and out, and that's what Derek brings for us."
Del Rio discussed rookie cornerback Gareon Conley's athletic ability, and knowledge of the game.
"I think sky's the limit for him, I think he's a really fine football player, he's got exceptional movement skills. Gareon has really been a sponge, learning things very quickly, he's a good learner, and a competitive guy. I think, I'm really happy we got him; I think he's going to prove to be a very good player."
