The Most Intriguing Rookie Storylines at Oakland Raiders' OTAs

The NFL isn’t just about banging helmets and making spectacular catches. Players must also learn the X’s and O’s to be in the best position to execute.

The Oakland Raiders rookie minicamp shed some light on the mindset of the players and how they digested this first phase in becoming Raiders.

Some rookies were open and honest about their paths to becoming professionals, how they were adjusting and who they’ll rely on in an apprenticeship-type setting.

Here are some of the more intriguing early storylines out of the Raiders’ rookie minicamp.

Which Veteran Is Expected to Groom Amari Cooper?

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The Raiders' wide receiver corps is relatively young. James Jones is no longer with the team, so who’s going to take Amari Cooper under his wing and teach him the basics?

Ah, is it Michael Crabtree? Not exactly.

ESPN’s Bill Williamson thinks wide receivers coach Rob Moore will take on that big-brother role on and off the field: 

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With James Jones cut, the Raiders really don't have any veterans for Cooper to rely on. Michael Crabtree is 27, but he is kind of a quiet type. Still, I'm sure Crabtree will be available for Cooper if he has questions. I think Cooper will need to lean on his position coach, Rob Moore, who was a receiver in the NFL for 12 years.

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It is difficult to see Crabtree sitting down extensively with Cooper as a mentor. This isn’t to say Crabtree is selfish, but he’ll have enough on his plate competing with Rod Streater for the No. 2 option at wide receiver. 

Fortunately, Cooper is a polished product and doesn't need as much assistance with route-running techniques. The Alabama standout can flat-out play his position. Rob Moore will be on hand to make sure he fulfills his lofty expectations as a great receiver right out of the gate.

Max Valles Taking Direction from Justin Tuck

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We all saw this coming a mile away didn’t we? Well, here’s a bit of foreshadowing.

According to the Raiders’ official website, Valles grew up watching Justin Tuck play for the New York Giants as a New Jersey native. Now, he’ll be receptive to taking cues from the two-time Pro Bowler with 65.5 career sacks.

Tuck could be mentoring his eventual replacement at the position. He has one year left on his contract and could see a diminished role to keep his 32-year-old tires fresh.

The trainee, Valles, has the ability to rush the quarterback, which he put on display at Virginia. Tuck will likely broaden his arsenal of spin moves, stunts and jukes to smash QBs in the backfield.

Valles also talked about his versatility. Don’t be surprised to see him lined up as an inside linebacker for added blitz pressure or in coverage on the outside.

Mario Edwards Jr. Going to Practice with Motivation from Critics

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Some guys come in smug, proclaiming they have nothing to prove to anyone but their teammates. Mario Edwards Jr. has taken the criticism head-on and turned it into motivation to perform even in practice. 

In a press conference at the conclusion of rookie minicamp, Edwards made it clear he hears the negatives about his work ethic in his final year at Florida State discussed extensively and that he’s ready to prove naysayers wrong from the beginning of camp.

In so many words, Edwards wants to leave the past in the past and move forward as Raider. He mentioned defensive line coach Jethro Franklin as someone who will get in your ear if you’re not giving 100 percent.

Edwards will need the push from Franklin. His track record shows he can be too relaxed, and Franklin will demand the best out of the second-round pick. Although it remains to be seen whether or not the motivation is sustainable, Edwards will get off to a good start with a swift kick in the rear end.

Josh Harper Leaning on Derek Carr to Get Up to Speed

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This is a good situation for both Josh Harper and Derek Carr. The former Fresno State teammates have reunited, with Carr assuming a leadership role.

Carr quizzes Harper constantly on the playbook to get his former teammate up to speed, according to the team’s official website.

One of the more underrated skills as a QB is providing team leadership. Arm strength and accuracy are important as well, but the QB takes complete charge of the offense on the field from the huddle to the line of scrimmage.

The fact that the second-year QB will be in a position to extensively affect the development of an undrafted rookie receiver will also help Carr sharpen his leadership skills.

The Raiders weren’t in nail-biters with high stakes at the end of the season, so you have to wonder how Carr will react to crisis and adversity. A good leader can look those issues in the face and make the best of a situation.

Quizzing a teammate on the playbook isn’t the most dire situation, but it shows leadership skills. It’s a skill Carr will need going forward to further solidify his place as the franchise QB.

Jon Feliciano Taking Extensive Snaps at Center

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According to Levi Damien of Silver and Black Pride, Jon Feliciano found himself playing center during the early phases of camp. Head coach Jack Del Rio has told reporters that he expects the former Miami (Florida) guard to start in Week 1 of the upcoming season. 

The Raiders focused on getting the fourth-round pick acclimated with the entire offensive line by putting him in various positions. 

Feliciano’s versatility will help fill in gaps in case of injuries, but is he losing ground to Khalif Barnes at the starting guard position? I wouldn’t say so; training camp is a long, treacherous road en route to the regular season.

Mike Tice is an excellent O-line coach who will make sure Feliciano not only knows his position as a guard but is prepared to play every position on the offensive line.

Keep tabs on the Raiders rookies during the offseason. You can tweet to Maurice for the latest happenings.