Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform

Nick Nelson -

CB choice but to push forward and make the best of the situation.

The Raiders need speedy rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs to contribute immediately. Fellow first-round pick Damon Arnette, a cornerback out of Ohio State, must impress as early as possible to forge a role in the secondary. Clelin Ferrell, who vowed to return a changed player after an up-and-down rookie season, is being counted on to emerge as a force at defensive end.

The challenge for all three — and others — is to somehow make up all the ground lost by not going through the normal rookie and veteran minicamps or offseason team activities. And they will have to do it in the dramatically condensed football-related segment of this year’s training camp.

While the Raiders catch a break with quarterback Carr returning for his third year in Gruden’s system and a largely intact offensive unit returning, including an entire offensive line, that is certainly not the case on defense. 5-11 205 23 2

Wisconsin

The Raiders made a big splash in free agency on defense by signing linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski, defensive linemen Maliek Collins and Carl Nassib and defensive backs Prince Amukamara and Damarious Randall. All six figure to play a big role in getting the Raiders’ defense pointed in the right direction.

Eventually, anyway.

But they will have a limited amount of time to get things together in camp, with the time they can devote to football being slashed and the four preseason dress rehearsals eliminated entirely.

It won’t look or feel normal. A premium will be put on coaching, organization and diligence.

For a team looking to make a big move in the third year under Gruden, making the best of the short time they have is essential.