Tuesday marked the first day of mandatory minicamp for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The team moves into their last portion of the offseason program before things heat up in Training Camp next month. It was a competitive day between the offense and the defense with both sides of the ball having moments to capitalize.
Let's recap some high points from the practice.
- The defense brought the fire during team period. Cornerbacks Brandon Facyson and Jakorian Bennett took turns making plays on the outside, including an interception by Bennett.
- The defensive MVP for the day was Christian Wilkins. The sixth-year lineman got off the line of scrimmage at full speed every play, seemingly finding his way in the backfield constantly. "Christian running to the ball, he's a freak of nature," Nate Hobbs said. "He's 300-something pounds, first one to ball. I've never seen no one that size move like that – that flexible, that bendy. He's a pro."
- The offense got rolling in the second half of practice. Aidan O'Connell made a few impressive throws to the likes of Alexander Mattison, Jakobi Meyers and a would-be touchdown pass to Jalen Guyton with two defenders draped over the receiver. It was a great catch by Guyton, but O'Connell put it right where it needed to be. "Aidan has come a long way," Maxx Crosby said. "Just seeing his maturity and seeing how he's starting to talk back. ... Seeing him come back at us is awesome to see."
- While the quarterback competition is headlined by O'Connell and Gardner Minshew II, Anthony Brown Jr. also made a few good throws down the stretch including a touchdown pass to rookie running back Dylan Laube.
- WIth the new kickoff rules being implemented this upcoming season, the Raiders are taking a look at anybody and everybody for returner roles. Tuesday's practice was highlighted by Laube, Nate Hobbs, Jack Jones and DJ Turner.
Get an inside look at the Silver and Black's first day of mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.