The Las Vegas Raiders wrapped up the third day of training camp on Friday as the team prepares for its first preseason game on August 10 against the Minnesota Vikings.
With practice open to the media once again, we’ve collected the best observations from beat writers on the ground to bring you the biggest takeaways and standouts from the day.
Friday’s practice was more of the same, as the quarterbacks had up-and-down days, and the secondary continued to impress. A pair of rookies turned heads, and we also got some injury news.
We go over that and more as we take a look at the biggest takeaways and standouts from day three of Raiders’ training camp based on the observations of beat writers in attendance.
Raiders training camp takeaways, standouts Day 3
Who didn’t practice?
Kolton Miller, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Jalen Guyton, and Darien Butler remain on the PUP list, while three Raiders on the active roster didn’t practice. The most notable was John Jenkins, who missed his third straight practice and has yet to take the field in training camp.
Don’t see DT John Jenkins, WR Tulu Griffin, and CB Woo Governor at #Raiders practice today.
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) July 26, 2024
Inconsistent day for QBs
The day got off to a good start for Aidan O’Connell, as he tossed two touchdowns to Jakobi Meyers, according to Tashan Reed of the Athletic. The 25-year-old also ran for a touchdown on a quarterback draw, according to Vincent Bonsignore of Vegas Nation.
Though there was a ton of good, O’Connell also threw two interceptions during practice and fell apart towards the end. Gardner Minshew also struggled for a second consecutive day after a two-interception practice on Thursday.
The duo has shown potential but must cut down on turnovers.
Aidan O’Connell looked in rhythm early in practice today but then threw two interceptions and struggled the rest of the way.
Gardner Minshew wasn’t much better but ended on a couple of his better throws.
No clear leader in #Raiders QB competition through three practices
— Case Keefer (@casekeefer) July 26, 2024
Secondary shines
For the second straight day, the Raiders’ secondary had its way against the aerial attack.
According to Reed, Jack Jones and Isaiah Pola-Mao picked off O’Connell, while Jakorian Bennett continued to impress and is the frontrunner for the second boundary corner spot.
#Raiders S Isaiah Pola-Mao just picked off O’Connell during 11-on-11 drills. He’s been getting good work as the third safety.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) July 26, 2024
It’s been a rotation but Jakorian Bennett has looked the best, to me.
https://t.co/jkqIxJptPu
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed)
July 26, 2024
According to Levi Edwards of Raiders.com, rookie Decamerion Richardson performed well during WR vs. CB battles, drawing praise from head coach Antonio Pierce.
“He’s quiet, he doesn’t say nothing but if you watch every rep he’s right behind Jack or Facyson, or whoever it is, and he’s just taking a lot of mental reps.”
It must be pointed out that a large part of the struggles of O’Connell and Minshew has been the excellent play of the #Raiders’ secondary. They look really, really good.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) July 26, 2024
Brock Bowers and Dylan Laube impress
Bowers showcased his dominance in man coverage, scoring three touchdowns in a row during Las Vegas’ red zone 1-on-1s. Logan Reever of 8 News Now stated that Bowers was “unguardable” during the drill. The versatile tight end out of Georgia will be a prominent member of the offense in 2024.
Brock Bowers just had a really nasty moss over a linebacker in 1-on-1 drills. Went up and pinned the ball to helmet for the grab.#Raiders
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) July 26, 2024
Rookie running back Dylan Laube had another good day at camp, as Antonio Pierce stated that the former New Hampshire standout is a difficult matchup and is a “special” and “gritty” player.
Tre Tucker catching eyes
According to Reever, second-year wide receiver Tre Tucker has made strides this offseason and has a more well-rounded skillset. Veteran wide receiver Jakobi Meyers lauded Tucker’s work ethic, stating that nobody worked harder than him this offseason and that he’s so much better and stronger compared to last season.
