Los Raiders concluyeron su minicampamento obligatorio, marcando el final del trabajo de primavera y el inicio de un receso de aproximadamente 40 días antes del comienzo del campo de entrenamiento.
Aunque el verdadero examen llegará cuando los jugadores se coloquen las hombreras en julio, el entrenador en jefe Klint Kubiak dejó claro que el equipo ha dado pasos importantes durante sus primeros meses juntos.
"Somos un mejor equipo", afirmó Kubiak al evaluar el progreso de la organización. "Nuestros jugadores han aceptado el coacheo y están haciendo todo lo que les pedimos. Definitivamente veo una mejora de dónde comenzamos".
Sin embargo, el entrenador también advirtió que las prácticas sin contacto tienen sus limitaciones. Para Kubiak, la verdadera evaluación comenzará durante las 11 prácticas previas al primer partido de pretemporada el 13 de Agosto en casa ante Arizona.
"Hay muchos jugadores que quizás estén luciendo muy bien en este momento y desaparezcan cuando llegue el otoño. También hay otros que quizás no llamen tanto la atención ahora, pero cuando se ponen las hombreras muestran realmente su valor, especialmente corredores, linieros ofensivos y defensivos", explicó.
Kubiak no es ajeno a los procesos de reconstrucción. Antes de llegar a Las Vegas formó parte de nuevos proyectos en organizaciones como Nueva Orleans y Seattle, experiencias que le han ayudado a perfeccionar la manera de implementar su sistema en un nuevo equipo. El entrenador destacó la importancia de enseñar de manera gradual, evitando saturar a los jugadores mientras construyen las bases de la ofensiva y del equipo en general.
"Aprendes de tus errores y de lo que funciona", señaló. "Hay que encontrar la mejor forma de desarrollar a los jugadores, darles información poco a poco y también ponerlos a prueba mentalmente para ver cuánto pueden retener".
Kubiak también reconoció el impacto de varios integrantes de su staff de coacheo, incluyendo al veterano entrenador de línea ofensiva Rick Dennison y el coordinador ofensivo Andrew Janocko, cuya experiencia le permite dedicar tiempo a otras áreas del equipo.
Uno de los momentos más simbólicos del programa de temporada baja llegó cuando los jugadores recuperaron el tradicional escudo de los Raiders en sus cascos, un distintivo que no habían utilizado desde el minicampamento de novatos. Para Kubiak, el gesto representó mucho más que un simple detalle estético.
"Desde el principio entendimos que todos estábamos tratando de hacer nuestra parte para mejorar a los Raiders y ganarnos el derecho de portar el escudo", comentó.
Ahora llega una etapa que muchas veces pasa desapercibida para los aficionados, pero que puede tener un enorme impacto en el éxito de una temporada. Los jugadores no estan requeridos a estar en las instalaciones durante un lapso de aproximadamente 40 días antes de reportarse para el campo de entrenamiento, y Kubiak dejó un mensaje contundente para su plantilla.
"Puedes arruinar una temporada baja con 40 días lejos del equipo", advirtió. "Si haces todo este trabajo durante la primavera y luego te quedas sentado en el sillón, todo ese esfuerzo no sirve de nada".
Con el minicampamento ya en el espejo retrovisor, los Raiders entran oficialmente en la última etapa de preparación antes de que comience la verdadera competencia por puestos en el roster. Las primeras impresiones bajo el mando de Klint Kubiak han sido positivas. El equipo ha mostrado disposición para aprender, ha adoptado los valores que el nuevo staff intenta establecer y ha comenzado a construir una identidad basada tanto en la disciplina como en la rica tradición de la franquicia.
Pero como bien recordó el propio entrenador, las evaluaciones de primavera solo cuentan una parte de la historia. La verdadera prueba comenzará cuando lleguen las hombreras, aumente la intensidad de los entrenamientos y los Raiders den los primeros pasos hacia una nueva temporada que buscará devolver a la organización al protagonismo.
Head inside Intermountain Health Performance Center as the Raiders hold their second day of mandatory minicamp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Gary Smith III (75) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders helmets on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Atonio Mafi (56) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Trey Zuhn III (66) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kamar Missouri (62) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Laki Tasi (79) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Chris Thomas (59) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devin Lafayette (40) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Will Putnam (67) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum (65) and punter AJ Cole (6) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (5) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cameron McGrone (57) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Chigozie Anusiem (29) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Laki Tasi (79) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Chase Roberts (86) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker (7) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders senior defensive assistant Al Holcomb on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jacob Clark (16) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive quality control coach Cody Grimm on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (88) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive assistant Tim Zetts on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Chase Roberts (86) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum (65) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Isaiah Jatta (72) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
A football on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Corey Rucker (82) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Corey Rucker (82) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jacob Clark (16) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jonathan Brady (83) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back coach Omar Young on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders General Manager John Spytek on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Benito Jones (94) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Caleb Offord (39) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Benito Jones (94), cornerback Greedy Vance (22), linebacker Brennan Jackson (54) and defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland (90) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders special teams coordinator Joe Decamillis on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devin Lafayette (40) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devyn Perkins (49) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Segun Olubi (50) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive run game coordinator Mario Jeberaeel and guard Caleb Rogers (76) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jacob Clark (16) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker (7) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jacob Clark (16) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (5) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Tyler Duzansky (46) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devin Lafayette (40) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devyn Perkins (49) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Caleb Offord (39) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (5) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Hezekiah Masses (35) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Brennan Jackson (54) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) and quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker (7) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker (7) and linebacker Brennan Jackson (54) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) and wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devin Lafayette (40) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II (13) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Chase Roberts (86) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Corey Rucker (82) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jonathan Brady (83) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Carter Runyon (84) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Roman Hemby (37) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward (34) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward (34) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Patrick Gurd (45) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
