Listed below are three key place battles to observe when coaching camp opens on July 23.
Quarterback
Projected starter: Aidan O’Connell
Participant to observe: Gardner Minshew II
Second-year passer O’Connell and free-agent signee Minshew break up first-team reps all through OTAs and minicamp. Throughout a current look on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” Jeremy Fowler mentioned O’Connell has a “slight edge” over Minshew due partly to his shut relationship with star vast receiver Davante Adams.
Minshew may nonetheless unseat second-year passer O’Connell if he develops higher chemistry with Adams in coaching camp.
In 5 seasons with the Jaguars, Colts and Eagles, the 28-year-old bridge QB has accomplished 62.6 % of his passes for 59 TDs, 24 interceptions and an above-average 90.2 passer rating. O’Connell, in the meantime, accomplished 62.1 % of his passes for 12 TDs, seven picks and a below-average 83.9 passer rating in 11 video games in 2023.
Regardless, do not be shocked if Vegas head coach Antonio Pierce waits till Week 1 to call a starter, as neither QB has separated themself.
Working again
Projected starter: Zamir White
Participant to observe: Alexander Mattison
White impressed final season when he changed an injured Josh Jacobs (quadriceps), averaging 99.3 dashing yards per recreation and operating for one TD in 4 begins. Nonetheless, Pierce indicated he needs to see extra from White, which is one motive the Raiders signed Mattison to a one-year, $2M deal this offseason.
“Simply because (White has) bought the job now, that does not imply it could actually’t be taken,” Pierce mentioned at minicamp, via The Athletic’s Vic Tafur. “Alexander Mattison is a extremely good soccer participant, and that is how I will preserve going about our staff. .. In case you have a nasty play, it is next-man-up mentality. So Zamir understands that — do not get snug. And I believe he is finished a extremely good job with that.”
If White fizzles, Mattison can be a serviceable alternative. In 16 video games with the Minnesota Vikings final season, he logged a career-high 700 rushing yards on 180 carries.
Tight finish
Projected Starter: Brock Bowers
Participant to observe: Michael Mayer
The Raiders might have doubts about Mayer after taking two-time nationwide champion Bowers with the thirteenth total choose of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Mayer lately told the media he isn’t upset in regards to the Raiders deciding on the 2023 first-team All-American, and so they’ll each obtain loads of alternatives. He should enhance shortly, although, or he may lose taking part in time. In 14 games in his rookie season, the previous second-rounder had 27 receptions for 304 yards and two TD catches.
In three seasons at Georgia, Bowers gained the John Mackey Award twice as one of the best TE in school soccer, which means he doubtless has extra upside than Mayer.
