Silver and Black Report

Today, the Oakland Raiders opened training camp at their Napa Facility. No major activities were scheduled, as players slowly trickled in, preparing for the first phase of getting into football shape as the pre-season approaches.

• The first to check in at Raiders training camp was defensive end Derrick Burgess. Burgess looked to be in top form and appeared ready to get the season under way. He arrived well ahead of the team bus, so much that the hotel staff that was supposed to check the players in as they arrived were not ready to receive him. Burgess had to go back to his car, unload his gear, wait, and come back to the sign in table once the staff arrived. Hopefully, this will nix any and all rumors about him being disgruntled.

• DeAngelo Hall talked briefly about the impact of him playing with new safeties and the importance of having Nnamdi Asomugha at camp. He also expressed how much he liked safety Michael Huff and spoke on how he met him back at Texas when Hall went back there to work out and meet the younger college players.

• Jake Grove was here and said that he is ready to go. Grove also said that he was feeling really good a month ago and expects to work out with the team. However, he doesn’t know if he will be allowed to work out both practices during the two-a-days. Grove said that he could find out by tonight or tomorrow.

• Former NFL head coach Jim Fassel was seen at Raiders camp. Fassel dispelled any inclinations that he’s here to do anything other than watching his son, John - who is a Quality Control coach - on the invitation of Lane Kiffin. Fassel gleamed about how good the team was and how his son truly enjoys every aspect of the Raider organization.

• There were no Nnamdi Asomugha, LaMont Jordan, or Javon Walker sightings…thus far. Jordan is not expected to be here, but Asomugha and Walker have until Thursday morning to report without being marked as late (fines could be levied). It is possible that they both could have snuck in through a back door to avoid the media. There is no official word from the Raiders regarding the contract status on these players so far.

• Most of the players that did arrive today were mostly first and second year players. The veteran players generally know that they have until 9 am Thursday to report (before the first team meeting) and tend to arrive late on the first day or in the morning of the first practice.

• Official word from the Oakland Raiders Public Relations department is that ALL draft picks have been signed.