By DeMarcus Davis, S&B Report Staff Writer

Rookie Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden

Alameda, Calif. - As the weekend rookie mini-camp comes to a close, there has been a few surprises. The first surprise came when I caught a glimpse of McFadden’s legs again. How could a running back that has such blazing and tremendous speed have such skinny legs? Despite the spindly leg, he decided to demonstrate another rookie why he was drafted fourth overall. On a simple give-and-go play, McFadden caught the ball for what seemed a small gain…that is until a “who-cares-what-your-name-is” defender (because he won’t likely be here past next week) made an attempt (and I use that word attempt lightly), to tackle the former Arkansas star. Well, McFadden hit the brakes and went from 60 to 0 in .00325 seconds (better braking than the new BMW M-class), the defender goes flying by – broken ankles and all – and proceeded to run up field. Yeah, I may be exaggerating on the braking/BMW/broken ankles thing, but you get my point.

As for Michael Bush; to me, he isn’t a TRUE surprise. I felt he had the capability of doing the type of damage Justin Fargas did with the added ability to bring the wood to a defender or two along the way. He is bigger than McFadden and his speed isn’t two much of a drop off either. He and McFadden possess the ability to catch the ball as well as have that home-run-game breaking ability. The Raiders have a potential three to four headed monster running threat. It will be interesting to see Bush show more of the potential he displayed this weekend.

Todd Watkins, wide receiver: This kid bounced around the NFL via the practice squad; first with Arizona and then with Atlanta where he was subsequently released. Watkins showed he had great hands and snagged every ball tossed to him. Low passes, bullets behind him, far reaching receptions, and even climbing the ladder to make wonderful full outstretching grabs out of thin air. The only downside that I saw this weekend is that he’s a bit under-sized (skinny), but he’s a gamer. I wouldn’t be surprised if he made it to training camp. It’ll be tough for him to crack this already crowded roster, but it surely wouldn’t hurt the Raiders to keep him on the practice squad just in case.

Chaz Schilens, wide receiver: Big target, kind of slow and didn’t keep his hips down going into his cuts. When he did keep his backside down, he sometimes slipped in the 8-foot-tall grass or tripped over his shadow it seemed. I expected more out of the second day draft selection. Perhaps he was a bit nervous being at this level and the added pressure of other wide receivers competing for one, maybe two spots on the roster that’s getting to him. For his sake, I hope Chaz comes around.

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David Lofton: Yup…dad’s little boy is trying out for the Raiders as a defensive back. While playing safety during a non-contact drill, Lofton reacted to a pass in his zone and closed in for the kill. Fortunately for the receiver (and his chance at making the squad), he veered off just slightly to not hit full head on with that receiver. Even still, he had enough momentum and angle to make enough contact to generate a large “SMACK” sound. Normally, a “SMACK” sound is okay because folks have pads on and that’s what a hit should sound like. But these guys were in shorts and jerseys…nothing more. So, that ‘SMACK’ sound was not welcome sound to the coaches or both players. Fortunately, no one got hurt. Peer pressure and fraternal pressure (the old man) maybe finally got to him. Who knows?

Trevor Scott: He’s tying to shed the ‘Tyler Brayton’ role of defensive lineman by making some nice plays in the backfield today; something that Brayton had difficulty doing before he left Oakland.

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