Oakland Raiders: The Unknown Battles of Training Camp

We all as fans have seen the measurables of Chaz Schilens and have fallen in love with the potential of this young prospect. The Raiders have been looking for not only production, but professionalism as well from the wide receiver position.

Schilens has shown he wants to be a great receiver by being the most polished of the Raiders receivers in Organized Team Activities (OTAs). But until now, it has been just that—OTAs. Now the t-shirts and shorts come off and the pads come on in Napa. It is uncertain if Schilens attended Russell's passing camp in Alabama; however, if Schilens wants to make a good impression, training camp is where he wants to do it.

Schilens's battle is not about playing time. He was penciled in as the starter ever since he was praised by Al Davis during Coach Cable's press conference. It is about proving he is the best. Proving he is number one. To be the guy Russell looks for when the game is on the line and the Raiders are in the red zone with 30 seconds or less on the clock in the fourth quarter.

With a newly-signed, inexperienced rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey and Javon Walker's health still in question, training camp is where Schilens can develop that type of mentality and groom himself to be a dangerous weapon.

Chris Johnson came on strong as DeAngelo Hall's replacement. He was constantly tested as teams stayed away from All-Pro Nnamdi Asomugha. Ending the season with 4 INTs and a new contract, Johnson goes into camp trying to prove that 2008 was not a fluke.

He needs to prove that he can handle the pressure of being opposite Asomugha.

The Raiders have a great history of having shutdown corners. Chris Johnson hopes to continue the tradition.

No doubt this is an intriguing battle heading into camp. Drafted in the third round of the 2007 draft, Mario Henderson had his share of growing pains in his rookie year as a Raider. Often criticized by then-Coach Lane Kiffin, Henderson struggled in both run blocking and pass protection.

Cable took his time with the young tackle and turned him into a very productive lineman. In fact, he was so productive that Henderson would unseat starter Kwame Harris in the final four games of the season. In that time, Henderson only gave up half a sack and committed zero penalties.

In the offseason, the Raiders acquired LT Khalif Barnes from Jacksonville. Barnes has played well at LT in the past and has made it clear he wants to be the LT for the Raiders for a long period of time.

Forget about Russell vs. Garcia, its all about Barnes vs. Henderson.

The Raiders caused much controversy in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft when they selected S Mike Mitchell. Well, we know how Mel Kiper felt about the pick and Mitchell knows as well. The hard-hitting safety has made it known that he will work his hardest to prove his doubters wrong.

Mitchell must prove he is a presence in the run game but has good enough instincts in pass coverage as well.

Recently signing a contract in time for training camp, Mitchell has made it known he is itching to knock heads in camp and is hungry for contact. He wants to show that he is committed to sacrificing his body for the game he loves.

I am excited to see what he can do and I hope he makes an impact from day one as a Raider.

This is a tough one for me. Both of these young runners are versatile, both want carries, and both want to win. McFadden is the flashy first-round pick with quality hands and speed like cheetah. Though some believe he can not run through the tackles, I believe he is very good at it. He is such a special athlete that he shouldn't be limited to just that. I can see him causing matchup problems for defenses for a long time.

Michael Bush is the steal of 2007. The Heisman hopeful broke his leg in the season opener of his senior year and fell to the Raiders in the fourth round in 2007. Bush has made a big impression on his coaches as well as on us fan in the season finale of 2008, when he knocked the Bucs out of the playoffs with his running efforts.

Many people want Bush to be the starter. However, my vote goes to McFadden. His versatility has to be on the field at all times. However, if Bush is named the starter this offense would still be effective.

The most talked about draft pick in 2009 has officially become an Oakland Raider, as he has agreed to terms on a five-year deal according to former NFL Network correspondent Adam Shefter. This is perfect timing as the Raiders' first practice approaches.

The Raiders have a history for showing love to young rookies with impressive measurables. At 6'2", 210 pounds, Heyward-Bey made a name for himself durring his combine with a 4.3 40 time. Though he is known for his speed, do not underestimate his upper body strength as well.

DHB was commended by Tom Cable as he commented on Heyward-Bey's knowledge of the pro-style offense. Heyward-Bey must display that knowledge in training camp if he wants a starting job. Keep in mind that veteran Javon Walker is now on the PUP(physically unable to perform)list.

It is widely assumed that Heyward-Bey will primarily be used as a deep threat durring his rookie campain. But if he truly wants to prove his doubters wrong, he must prove can do it all.

Can he be a polished routte runner? Can he catch the ball consistently? Can he find the wholes in Zone coverages?

I believe Heyward-Bey can do all those things, however he is a tad bit of a project, but will be just fine as a rookie.

This is something that every Raider fan thought about, but hasn't talked about.

Johnnie Lee Higgins had a year that made him a fan favorite in the Raider Nation. A special teams demon, Higgins scored three times at punt returner, all during clutch situations.

Higgins also was a leading wide receiver, but with only 22 grabs. No doubt, though, he showed his skills with each one.

In 2009, the Raiders selected Louis Murphy out of Florida. Though overshadowed by teammate Percy Harvin, Murphy was also a productive receiver in college. It is widely perceived that Murphy could be a better pro than collegiate athlete.

Similar to Michael Bush, Murphy has the fans on his side as a fourth-round steal. The difference being that Bush was selected in the fourth round and was very much on the Raiders draft board.

Murphy, however, was not. It was assumed that the Raiders were set at WR with the selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey in the first round. The Raiders felt that Murphy would have been gone by the third round, but being still available, they had to select this gifted talent.

Now the question looms: Higgins or Murphy? Assuming Schilens and Heyward-Bey stay healthy, they should be the front-runners for the outside, but the slot is still in question.

Should Higgins focus on special teams? Or is he ready to take on both roles? Can Murphy climb up the depth chart in time to make a contribution in his rookie year? Did Murphy's time with JaMarcus Russell give him an edge?

Well those answers and many others will hopefully be answered in Napa!