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Training Camp Notebook 7/30: First day of pads is action-packed

The pads have come on at Raiders training camp.

The Silver and Black got after it Tuesday morning as the shells and shorts were replaced with helmets and knee pads. It was a physical day, nevertheless the team maintained a friendly competition.

Here are a few notes and quotes from the first padded practice in Costa Mesa, California.

Notes and Observations from Day 5 of practice

Offense

  • Brock Bowers and Dylan Laube continue to set themselves apart among the rookies, both receiving reps with the first-team offense during several portions of practice. Laube had a few short gains up the middle along with a long run on the outside. Bowers made a few impressive catches off throws from Gardner Minshew II along with a long run off a jet sweep. The one thing the two rookies definitely have in common: speed. They're both at their best within the offense when they have the ball in their hands in open space.
  • Kristian Wilkerson made some impressive grabs including coming down with a catch after taking a helicopter hit from Tommy Eichenberg.
  • The play of the day at the quarterback position came from Anthony Brown Jr. The former Baltimore Raven rushed for a touchdown up the right side of the field off a read option. Brown rushed for nine touchdowns in his senior season at the University of Oregon.
  • Rookie tackle DJ Glaze got a lot of reps throughout practice, holding his own against a stout defensive line. He might've received sound advice from former Raiders guard Richie Incognito who was at practice coaching up the offensive line.

Defense

  • The star of practice in my eyes was the space eater in the middle of the defensive line known as Adam Butler. He was ready to go for the first day of pads, seen making multiple run stops and getting after the quarterback. His presence up the middle also helped Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce draw one-on-one opportunities off the edge.
  • Another defensive lineman who should have eyes on him was Charles Snowden. He recovered a fumble along with a batted pass at the line of scrimmage.
  • Pass deflections abounded in the secondary with Jakorian Bennett, Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs all making plays. Jones was close to securing an interception, laying out over the middle of the field for the ball but didn't quite grab it.
  • Overall, it was a exceptional showing from the defense as a whole. It's visible that the majority of the unit are comfortable in the third year of Patrick Graham's scheme. While this was only the first day in pads, the expectations of this being a top tier defense looks more realistic as the days stack up.

Special Teams

  • After showcasing what he can do during team period, Laube also looked the part while returning punts. He, along with Tre Tucker and Jack Jones, fielded the majority of kick and punt returns.

Quote of the day

I'm expecting bang bang! A lot of clatter, a lot of chatter. ... 7-on-7 is over, it's time for real football. Antonio Pierce

Take an exclusive look at photos from Tuesday's 2024 Training Camp practice.

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