Oakland Raiders 2010 Training Camp: Rookie Report

For the Raiders, the future has never been so dependent on this class of rookies that arrived for camp this year.

From first round pick Rolando McClain, to the hopes that Bruce Campbell and Jared Veldheer can help the club in a hurry, Tom Cable will be working to develop these players properly, finding and bringing their strengths out, while working to remove any issues that can affect their play for the Raiders.

Enjoy a slideshow of coming attractions from the Silver and Black!

Rolando McClain: Animal in the Middle

At first, people were worried that Rolando McClain wouldn't make it into camp on time.

As it was, he was determined to make it, even staying in the area just to sign a contract the night before camp started.

His impact so far has been nothing less than impressive. Originally many hoped he would simply be able to hold the line, stopping the opponents' running game, but it seems he also has a habit of swatting down any incoming passes.

A couple of times Jason Campbell would attempt a pass over the middle, only to find this guy's arms making contact with a pass.

So, we could see a dominant, tough defender in the middle, who not only stops the run, but interferes with passing routes and occasionally recovers a fumble?

I like it.

Lamarr Houston: Switch To Push Houston for Liftoff?

Some of the news out of Napa regarding Lamarr wasn't even made by him, but more of Richard Seymour's switch of position.

Lamarr started at defensive end, while Seymour was moved to tackle.

Some wonder if this is a mindset that the team had considered to boost their run defense, while others wonder if it means the Raiders are covering their bets in case Seymour leaves in the offseason next year.

As it goes, Houston's duties in camp haven't disappointed. Working hard, he has shown a little fire, getting into a fight with Brandon Myers, but is still working at the line most recently against Langston Walker.

Some wouldn't mind seeing what he brings to the game against Dallas...wouldn't we all?

Jared Veldheer: Two Sets of Gloves?

Word out of camp has Jared finding a way to make himself indispensable...in this case, having more than one job.

Originally slated to be on the line, Jared most recently has been seen doing duty as a center on the second string.

Although this position has led to some questions on the QB's ability to pass over the player...the disadvantages of being 6-8.

If anything, you could probably dial in Jared as a special teams player on blocking field goals.

Langston Walker, another lineman who handles this task as well, could prove to make field goals difficult against Oakland this year.

Bruce Campbell: Workout Warrior?

Most of the early news on Bruce Campbell is that he is a raw player, still trying to get the rough edges out.

Playing on the second squad, he's said to be holding his own, courtesy of Vittorio Tafur from the SF Chronicle.

While it might take him some time to get used to the ins and outs of the NFL, this much talent, I doubt will be kept waiting.

Early on, it was also interesting during OTAs that he was playing out of his natural spot, being used in the guard spot, instead of his natural tackle spot.

Time will tell, if he'll navigate back to the tackle, or if his coaches think he'll provide more long-term help to the team by adjusting to the new location.

Jacoby Ford: Lightning in a Bottle?

Word before camp was that Jacoby Ford might be best served as a return expert, fielding punts and kicks.

Since camp has opened though, more and more has been seen of this speedster as a WR option, with little drop off in the speed department.

Like all rookies, he has had drops at times, making some people nod understandably. But likewise, the ability to cut and run, one player felt he was doing this better than in college.

Could Ford become a sleeper in the NFL? He'll have to shed the "Al Davis type" monkier, or restore the value of such a label to change minds.

It was noted that Ford was nursing a sore quad Thursday, so it remains to be seen if it's a short term issue, or a lingering problem.

Walter McFadden: Should Routt Be Worried?

This fifth round pickup has been said to have an eerie ability to find himself around the ball. Others feel he could be the sleeper of the draft since some didn't even bother looking into his numbers.

So far in camp, McFadden has been doing the drills, playing at corner trying to open a spot up for himself on the 53 man roster.

He has shown some signs of good coverage, while he did have a pass interference call back on the 2nd of August.

For him, again, it is learning the ins and outs, but so far he has been able to defend well, breaking up a slant pass meant for Higgins, another play for Watkins, but did let one out for Shaun Bodiford.

Time will tell if he makes the club.

Travis Goethel: Spare Parts Playing for Time?

Travis Goethel, drafted to be an inside linebacker, has had some reps and taken some plays.

Most recently seen was a bounce off of Rock Cartwright, but failed to stop him from making a catch.

Given the rough and tumble nature of the NFL, Travis will need to turn it up a notch to make the team and possibly more if he wants to stay in the NFL.

Jeremy Ware: Ware Out the Opponents

Ware's experiences in camp have been varied, filling in as a spot CB but has also been out yesterday with a heel issue.

He was also involved in what Jerry McDonald speculated on a non-pads practice as an offensive pass interference call on Darrius Heyward-Bey, when he was shoved by a flying WR going for the football.

Right now, the jury is out on Ware. It depends on how soon this heel issue clears up. It is still early in camp, but you don't want to see anyone miss any time if possible, learning is critical at this juncture.

Steven (Stevie) Brown: 7th Round Hopeful?

Word from camp sounds like Stevie is still leaning down on plays. One particular note, Hiram Eugene and him thought they had the spot on Zach Miller only to discover that Jason Campbell isn't Russell.

Does this bode bad for Brown?

Not quite. It's still early in camp. He is young and learning as he goes. He comes from a good program and with the depth the Raiders have at safety, he could be put onto the practice squad without much problem.

If he breaks out and surpasses Hiram's skillset, the Raiders might keep him around as a future project.

Final Thoughts

I elected to go with the simple draft picks as they will garner a lot of attention.

After all, draft picks usually see the money. But that does not mean there are some camp bodies that won't make the team. Sometimes undrafted players wind up making more of an impression, and some wind up proving the draft as a guessing game.

I recommend watching Jerry McDonald's Twitter account, or via Facebook Oakland Raiders...there are some solid Raider eyes watching every down of practice.

Stay informed, and enjoy the upcoming preseason games.