The Oakland Raiders are weeks away from starting their Organized Team Activity (OTA) schedule for 2009.
NFL teams are allowed to conduct up to 14 OTA sessions as part of their off-season workout programs. Teams are also allowed to schedule one mandatory veteran mini camp. If a team has hired a new coach during that off-season, the team is allowed to conduct two additional voluntary mini camps.
The Raiders will take the field on: May 19-21. Then the following month; June 2-4, June 9-11 and June 16-18.
SBReport will be bring you coverage of the OTA sessions and news on the newest Raider rookie class, as they begin their careers in Silver & Black.
Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
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.
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By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist
Oakland Raiders rookie WR Arman Shields
One of the goals this off-season for the Oakland Raiders coaching staff was to create more competition at wide receiver.
With JaMarcus Russell taking over, the staff felt they needed an influx of speed and big play ability in order to cater to the attributes of their no. 1 overall draft selection a year ago.
In the draft, one of the players Oakland selected in hopes of given Russell a target to build a rapport with was Arman Shields. The fourth round draft pick was in attendance this weekend during Oakland’s three-day rookie mini-camp at their facility. But prior to their weekend activities, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp commented on what Shields could provide to a team looking to add big plays to their passing attack.
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By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist
There is a young rusher in Oakland that will impact the Raider offense in 2008 and his name is not Darren McFadden.
Last year’s 4th round draft selection, Michael Bush, is healthy, in shape and looking sharp as the Silver & Black began their weekend rookie mini-camp on Friday.
There are no questions surrounding his wellbeing or weight. The coaching staff this year has no excuses to hold him back. And with Dominic Rhodes already gone and LaMont Jordan seemingly on his way out, Bush could be the wild card in the Raider backfield which helps to add some diversity to the offense.
In 2007, Bush was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list early on and even though there were no lingering signs of his broken right leg as the season wound down, Oakland elected not to get his feet wet due to the depth on the unit.
Almost two years later, Bush is eager to get back on the field and demonstrate the ability that made him a Heisman hopeful as a senior in Louisville.
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