It was the first day in pads for the Raiders. This is when things get a lot more interesting. When players get to make a bit more contact, giving coaches a better idea of how these guys will perform on Sunday. And with a full third of this roster never having taken an NFL snap, that’s important.
Here are the standouts from today’s practice.
WR Malik Benson
The sixth round rookie has had a good camp overall. But today he had probably his best day. He has lined up with the second team most of the time, becoming one of Fernando Mendoza’s favorite targets. He was unguardable in one-on-ones, making a couple nice catches. And in team sessions, he caught a gorgeous slant pass with fellow rookie Treydan Stukes in tow.
QB Kirk Cousins
Kirko Chainz was dealing again. His first pass of team sessions was a laser to Jalen Nailor on a crossing route. Then he made the pass of the day, placing one perfectly to tight end Ian Thomas just over the outstretched arms of Taron Johnson and Thomas pulled it in.
CB DeCamerion Richardson
After getting beaten to the ball by Jack Bech early in one-on-ones, he got the better of the matchup the next time as Bech was unable to come down with a back shoulder throw. Then he stuck with Donte Thornton like glue on an inside move to swat down the pass.
WR Tre Tucker
He got the better of Eric Stokes in a one-on-one and laid out to make a nice catch on a slant in team sessions.
G Caleb Rogers
Lining up at right guard with the second team, he got all the way out into the flat to make a key block that sprung Mike Washington off of a screen pass.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: 5 standouts from Day 5 of Raiders training camp
