Oakland Raiders: Early Rookie Progress Reports

The second week of organized team activities (OTAs) has kicked off and there’s a lot of buzz coming from Alameda Oakland.

The Oakland Raiders' 2015 draft class has brought a ton of excitement into minicamp. Analysts, fans and the Raiders coaching staff are gushing over the possibilities of the Silver and Black regaining respect as a formidable opponent on the schedule.

We’ll dive into some rookie updates, reports and observations that should get the most pessimistic Raiders fan excited for the upcoming season.

Amari Cooper Isn’t Just Polished

Polished was the most-used term to describe wide receiver Amari Cooper in the lead up to the NFL draft, but there’s a lot more flair to his game.

Bleacher Report’s Stephen Nelson and Chris Simms recently highlighted attributes Cooper brings that were overlooked prior to the draft.

Cooper was considered the boring pick compared to wide receiver Kevin White out of West Virginia. I’ve had interesting debates with Raider Nation in favor of Cooper over White. Can you imagine having to defend the best WR in the draft class just because he was two inches shorter and four pounds lighter than the sexy pick, White?

People omit the fact Cooper ran a 4.42 at the NFL Scouting Combine and has bigger hands than White. He can outrun defenders and snatch the ball out of the air at its high point when in position to make a play.

The fact that he’s polished allows him to line up all over the offensive formation. Simms talked about his role as a Z-receiver, the receiver who’s the jack-of-all-trades. Cooper could be the go-to WR, he’s a viable target in the red zone and capable of trickery in gadget plays often tied to smaller speedy WRs like Percy Harvin.

Yes, Cooper is polished but let’s not forget he’s an athletic specimen who translates well as a complete WR.

Clive Walford Garnering Respect on Offense

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Much of the onus has been placed on Cooper’s shoulders to revitalize the offense, but another rookie could share the spotlight in a revamped up-tempo scheme.

Tight end Clive Walford has turned a lot of heads during the first two weeks of minicamp. Teammates, coaches and analysts have all made note of Walford’s presence during OTAs: 

"

Ponder said rookie tight end Clive Walford “has really stood out. Big guy, catches ball well and is faster than I thought he would be.”

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) May 26, 2015"

"

It’s clear from listening to Del Rio over the last few weeks and Ponder today that TE Clive Walford is making a solid first impression.

— Scott Bair (@BairCSN) May 26, 2015"

"

As much as I love Amari Cooper. Clive Walford is potentially the key to the Raiders offensive revival.

— Christopher Hansen (@ChrisHansenNFL) May 15, 2015"

The Raiders made the decision to upgrade at tight end despite Mychal Rivera’s 534 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2014. Jermaine Gresham was an option as a free-agent pick up, but Walford seems to be the real deal.

He’ll become quarterback Derek Carr’s biggest target in terms of size (6’4”, 251 pounds), and he’ll seal the edge for run plays designed to get Latavius Murray scampering to break free on the outside.

Mario Edwards Jr. Learning from Justin Tuck

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Some good news for believers in second-round pick Mario Edwards Jr. He’s also taking cues from defensive end Justin Tuck on how to prepare, practice and pounce on QBs.

Who do you think helped outside linebacker Khalil Mack raise his potential as a pass-rusher?

According to CSNBayarea.com reporter Scott Bair, Tuck will host another in-season session on “how to crush a QB” for another young talented defensive player:

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The Super Bowl savvy veteran was a solid signing last offseason, not only for his pass-rush ability. He became an older brother to 2014 first-round pick Khalil Mack, who blossomed under Tuck’s tutelage.

Tuck has a chance to make a strong impression on Edwards Jr. as well. While it’s incredibly early, Tuck likes the young buck.

He’s a true athlete,” Tuck said. “You can tell that the talent level is there. I hear the things that people have said about him as a knock on him. That hasn’t showcased at all yet. He’s kind of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in meetings. Obviously very energetic, running to the ball on the field, and I think that’s what you want to see from a rookie guy of his caliber.

"

Considering Tuck’s impression on Mack’s development as a pass-rusher, Edwards' chances of soaking in and executing are much greater. It’s also a good sign that the young defensive lineman has taken a student approach to the game. He's willing to learn from an established 10-year veteran who knows what it takes to make an impact on the edge.

Max Valles: The Raiders' Only True Edge-Rusher?

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

No disrespect to Tuck, who's past his prime, but ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson recently made a valid point. Sixth-round pick Max Valles out of Virginia is the Raiders' only true edge-rusher with natural pass-rushing abilities.

Yes, Mack will play on the defensive line this season, but this won’t become his permanent role, yet. The coaching staff hopes Edwards becomes a solid pass-rusher, but there’s also talk about him playing in the "Leo" hybrid linebacker position as well. As mentioned, Tuck may become more of a quarterback sack whisperer than an actual consistent threat off the edge.

It's easy to agree with Williamson’s prediction on Valles’ role expanding late in the 2015 season as a rotational player off the edge.

He has a clear pathway to carve out his niche as a solid pass-rusher, who can also drop back into coverage when necessary. Tuck will likely take a backseat and watch his two proteges at the position (Edwards and Valles) blossom in the latter part of the season.

Neiron Ball a Blitz Specialist?

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

There are so many roles for players with special skill sets. Fifth-round pick Neiron Ball is another hybrid player that doesn’t really fit a certain mold at the NFL level as of yet.

The managing editor of Cover32.com/raiders, James Arcellana, had an interesting take (via Twitter) on how Ball can make a difference within the Raiders defense:

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I wonder if Neiron Ball is a guy the #Raiders are looking at using as a pass rusher... lots of athleticism. Might be a good blitzer.

— James Arcellana (@RaidersReporter) May 15, 2015"

Playing in coverage isn’t one of Ball’s strengths, but he can play inside linebacker and wreak havoc in the backfield stopping run plays behind the line of scrimmage or demolishing a QB on an all-out blitz. 

According to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, Ball is a tough speedy linebacker that tackles well. He wrote:

"Doesn't quit on a play. Will continue bird-dogging a play until whistle sounds. Has speed to close out on perimeter and uses same burst as decent pass-rusher. Can cover kicks and punts. Mentally tough and has overcome difficult circumstances in his life."

He could be the QB-seeking missile on obvious passing downs. The Raiders should hover him over the line of scrimmage and allow him to square off on QBs who lack the mobility to escape a reinforced rush attack.

You can follow Maurice Moton on Twitter for the latest Raiders and NFL chatter.

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Player measurements and combine results courtesy of the NFL.com