Head Coach Jack Del Rio
Phoenix – The major news to come out of the NFL meetings this week was the Oakland Raiders approval for relocation to Las Vegas. Following Monday's news, Head Coach Jack Del Rio sat down with the media in Arizona Tuesday morning to discuss a wide array of topics, primarily the newest additions to the Silver and Black.
Here are the quick hits from his media session:
Del Rio discussed the health of quarterback Derek Carr and how his recovery is going.
"I don't think there's any reason to take it easy; he's fired up. I got to peek out and see him working out with the trainers last week, before we came down. He's moving around very well, I think he's real excited about where he is, and how the rehab is going. We expect to have him for all of the OTAs [Organized Team Activities]."
He talked about the addition of tight end Jared Cook, and how he'll add another dimension to the offense.
"We're really excited to have [tight end] Jared [Cook], he's developed. I mean, at this point you're getting a guy that's in his prime, he's physically grown from when he came out to where he is now. He's really worked at his body, his strength, he's a guy that we think can do a little bit of everything. He blocks a little bit better than maybe he's given credit for. He definitely can be a matchup problem for defenses to deal with and handle."
Following the team's approval for relocation to Las Vegas, he commented on the news and expressed the team will continue working hard for the fans.
"I think we have the best fans, the loudest fans, the most die-hard fans. I want to enjoy them here now, we want to make sure we put out a good product and play good ball to make them proud, now. Hopefully they have enough fun they might even show up on a plane to come see us in the future, but the here and now, they're at their best when we're at our best. I'd rather acknowledge they give us tremendous support and we really appreciate it, and just continue to work to make sure that they are enjoying what they're seeing."
The Raiders Head Coach shared his thoughts on the addition of John Pagano.
"Really happy to have [Assistant Head Coach – Defense] John Pagano join us, he's got a wealth of experience, comes from a great football family, he's a bright guy. He's done a superb job, I think, of blending in with the staff and getting a feel for everybody, and how they work and how we've done things. We'll be able to offer up a suggestion or two of where we can take… we pull together and it becomes us. We have a lot of different experiences, and he brings a lot of that experience to the table, and he's a good communicator."
Del Rio expressed his excitement to have speedster Cordarrelle Patterson on the team.
"Really excited about 'CP' [wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson], he's a gifted athlete, once he touches the ball he can score from anywhere. He's excited about what we plan on doing with him in our offense, and in our special teams. He's not just a special teams guy, we're going to integrate him into our offense and I think he's a dynamic playmaker."
He broke down what went into the decision to promote Todd Downing to offensive coordinator.
"The interaction that I witnessed, the leadership that he provided over the last two years. I think the ability to communicate with his group, elevate the play of his group, the importance of that group, I saw all of that. I think overall, the ability to lead in the offensive staff room, the ability to direct, organize, and execute assignments that were given. He earned his way, it's his time to get an opportunity, and I believe he's a really good, talented, young coach."
Del Rio said he believes safety Karl Joseph will take the next step of his development in his second season.
"I think Karl's going to take a big step forward this year as a player, and his development. Just with comfort and understanding what's expected of him, coming in and being healthy, having a full offseason of work. I just feel like a confident Karl Joseph is going to be a much more impactful guy."
