The Silver and Black were back on the field Wednesday for the second day of their Mandatory Mini-Camp.Following the practice session, Head Coach Jack Del Rio addressed the media, speaking on a wide range of topics including running back Latavius Murray and the state of the Raiders linebackers.
Here are the highlights from his press conference:
The Weather Wasn't an Issue
Tuesday's practice session was slightly different than practices past as there was a slight drizzle during the team's time on the field.
However, for Head Coach Del Rio, it was just business as usual.
"It can rain from time to time, so we don't worry too much about it. I think it's good to be able to practice in any kind of weather that we might get here."
The Tight Ends Will Help the Run Game
The Raiders rebooted and retooled the tight end position through free agency and the Draft this offseason, and Head Coach Del Rio is optimistic that these additions will help the run game.
"Anytime you want to run the football, you have to have either a big, blocking tight end or a big, blocking fullback or both. We feel like we've really strengthened that position with blockers. I feel like we have some guys that can move people up front with the tight end position."
Murray is Getting His Shot
After making the most of his opportunities during the 2014 campaign, running back Latavius Murray is going to get his shot to be the featured back in 2015.
"Right now he's [Murray] been running with the lead group, but he knows that he has to earn that through camp, through the preseason, but he's done a nice job this offseason. He's taking steps and growing as a player."
It's a Mental Game
Head Coach Del Rio is determined to return the Raiders to their winning ways, and he believes that a positive mindset is crucial to achieving that goal.
"There's a mindset that I believe you have to have. I think it begins with the head coach. It permeates throughout the organization, and there's a mentality that we want to conduct ourselves with. There's a physical-ness, there's a tenacity that we want to play with. We want to be willing to do some of the tough things that benefit the good of the team, and understand what it looks like to be unselfish and to carry out your assignment."
Football Runs in the Family
The Raider selected defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr., in the second round (No. 35 overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, who is the son of former NFL cornerback Mario Edwards, Sr.
Head Coach Del Rio believes that growing up around football has helped the younger Edwards in the early stages of his career.
"I think he had great genes. That's what having a dad that played in the league means. He was obviously raised around football. It's not anything that's going to overwhelm him in that regard. He's done good. He's had a good start to his rookie year, being here, working every day, learning from experienced guys like [Justin] Tuck; being around guys like that is invaluable."
