7 Things We Learned from Oakland Raiders' Training Camp so Far

The first two weeks of the Oakland Raiders training camp are now in the books, as the first preseason action is right around the corner.

Training camp represents the time of year where starting positions are both won and lost, and we progressively get a better idea of how each team is shaping up for the upcoming season. 

The Raiders are a team that many will expect to struggle again in 2013, but as a result, could prove to be that much bigger of a pleasant surprise.

Here are seven things we learned through two weeks of Oakland Raiders training camp.

Pryor Improving as Passer

Although Terrelle Pryor can make plays with his legs, and proved as much in his lone start last season, he needed to improve as a passer to compete for the starting job.

As the San Francisco Chronicle’s Vic Tafur reports, Pryor has made significant strides in doing just that, where improved accuracy has allowed him to make some big plays throughout camp.

While Matt Flynn still remains the heavy favorite to start, Pryor may not be as far behind as many would have assumed. 

Continuing that progress throughout the rest of camp and the preseason could allow him to push for the starting role, as he looks to be closer now than he ever has.

Preseason action should give him his best opportunity, as there are things that Pryor can make happen in live games that don’t necessarily show up on the practice field.

Tyler Wilson Losing Snaps

After the draft, all indications were that the Raiders got some great value with their fourth-round selection of Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson.

While those initial assumptions may still prove to be true, camp reports suggest that Wilson is no longer seeing many snaps, and is in fact losing many of the third-team reps to undrafted free agent, Matt McGloin.

As Vic Tafur reports, Wilson may now be in a direct competition with McGloin for the Raiders’ No. 3 quarterback role.

Of course, it is still early and Wilson has plenty of time, including preseason games, to adjust to the NFL level and win his roster spot.

Early reports of him impressing at the Raiders’ OTAs may have set the expectations slightly high for a mid-round rookie, but he should be on the final roster given his potential moving forward.

David Ausberry Emerging as Starter

As expected, the starting tight end position was an open competition heading into training camp, but the early advantage has gone to David Ausberry.

The process of converting from a college wide receiver to an NFL tight end has been a lengthy one, but the staff has remained hopeful throughout that he would develop into the downfield receiving threat they envisioned him becoming all along.

This year may finally be that time, as Ausberry has made plays throughout camp, and even stood out enough to be named Peter King’s most impressive unknown player throughout his first week of NFL training camp visits.

With some other talented, young tight ends on the roster, the competition should remain steady. However, if Ausberry can continue to perform as he has thus far, he should win the starting job and have a key role in the Raiders’ offensive attack.

Alex Barron Will Compete to Start

When Alex Barron was signed as a free agent earlier this offseason, it was likely passed off by most as nothing more than a depth addition at best.

Now two weeks into camp, with many questions on the offensive line yet to be answered, Barron may be in the thick of the competition to start at right tackle.

Courtesy of Vic Tafur, head coach Dennis Allen has been impressed with Barron’s play throughout camp thus far: 

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Allen said he is impressed with T Alex Barron. “Been a nice surprise.” #Raiders

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 2, 2013

 

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If Barron can prove capable of starting at right tackle, the Raiders could then move Khalif Barnes to one of the two guard positions, for which he his likely a much better fit at this point in his career.

With second-round draft pick Menelik Watson still yet to practice, Barron stepping up and winning the right tackle job would be huge for this offensive line.

Defensive Tackle Remains a Concern

Heading into the offseason, the starting and depth roles at defensive tackle were prime concerns that the Raiders needed to address.

Although the team made some additions in free agency with Vance Walker and Pat Sims, the position remains the biggest question mark on the roster. Both Walker and Sims have missed practice time thus far, as has sixth-round draft pick Stacy McGee.

The severity of each players’ injuries remains unknown, but at a certain point, the Raiders will need to look to the free-agent market.

Veterans still available include the likes of Corey Williams, Sione Pouha, Amobi Okoye and Justin Bannan. Given the depth issues at the position, any of these players would likely compete for rotational roles with the Raiders right away.

Depth at Cornerback Is Much Improved

The cornerback position was one of the biggest question marks on the Raiders roster coming out of the 2012 season.

With some key additions through both free agency and the draft, the starting and depth spots are much improved, as Dennis Allen touched upon during his Sunday media availability.

Any two of D.J. Hayden, Tracy Porter, Mike Jenkins and Phillip Adams could end up starting, with Chimdi Chekwa and Joselio Hanson providing the additional depth. 

Given how important that quality depth is, especially considering last season’s struggles when injuries hit the secondary early on, the Raiders did well to upgrade significantly. Having done so should benefit their defense in a number of ways moving forward.

Raiders Will Look to Sign Key Players Long Term

The Raiders are now just one year away from putting what was a disastrous financial situation behind them, and enjoying plenty of salary cap flexibility as a result. 

Anticipating both that extra space under the cap and the high number of current players heading into the final year of their respective contracts, the team has already begun to sign some to long-term deals.

Sebastian Janikowski and Jon Condo are the first two players the Raiders have signed to contract extensions during camp, but they should not be the last.

Other key players heading into contract years include Darren McFadden, Lamarr Houston, Jared Veldheer and Jacoby Ford. 

The Raiders would be wise to sign, or at least begin long-term contract discussions with these players now, as opposed to waiting until they become free agents, when other teams can then join the bidding.