Safety Obi Melifonwu
The Oakland Raiders kicked off the first day of on-field activities for rookie mini-camp Friday afternoon, which showcased the team's 2017 NFL Draft class, in addition to undrafted free agents, and tryout players
Following the practice, a majority of the players from the team's draft class stepped to the podium to talk with the local media.
Here are the best quick hits from their media session:
Cornerback Gareon Conley discussed his ability to play inside and outside on defense.
"It's just a mentality and I feel like on the inside, it's a game of leverage. Outside is more just man-to-man techniques. Inside, you have to be outside leverage or inside leverage depending on your help, so I feel like people who learn that will be able to play both."
Linebacker Marquel Lee talked about his self-criticisms, and his continual motivation to learn more.
"I've always been critical of myself playing the game. As a linebacker, you have to know everything. You have to know the ins and outs of the defense. That's what I plan to learn, coming in here this rookie mini-camp and going forward."
Safety Obi Melifonwu is eager to learn the playbook so he can progress on the field.
"I think this next level, as a young guy coming in, the quicker you can learn the playbook and the scheme, the quicker you can get on the field and the faster you can play. Right now I'm just focused on learning the playbook and focused on what I can do to help the team."
**Offensive tackle David Sharpe expressed his desire to work alongside, and learn from, tackle Donald Penn.
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"Definitely ready to get under Donald Penn and try to learn a lot of things from him and those guys. It's a great room and a great coach and I'm definitely looking forward to getting started and getting to work."
Defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes shared what it's been like to make his family and community in Auburn, Calif., proud.
"Tremendous, tremendous. It's been a whirlwind in Auburn. Most of Auburn is Raiders fans and if they're not Raiders fans they just became one last week. I'm happy to make my community proud and it's great that they support me 100 percent. It's nice that I'm local. Couldn't be in a better situation than I am right now."
