The Oakland Raiders were one of the worst teams in the NFL last season after going just 4-12, but after a number of free agent moves and solid draft picks, the franchise may be heading in the right direction and the rookie camp for the team over the weekend was a good indication of that.
The team held its first rookie workouts and camp of the offseason following the draft and quarterback Tyler Wilson, who was selected in the fourth round of the draft after names like Matt Barkley and Ryan Nassib, looked sharp in practice and showed why the team felt they couldn't pass him up back in April. Wilson played college football at Arkansas and was one of the top rated quarterback prospects two season ago when the Razorbacks were national title contenders. According to the Mercury News, Wilson showed off a strong arm in workouts and reports said he didn't look like a rookie, throwing accurate passes at all ranges on the field.
Head coach Dennis Allen praised Wilson after the workouts to reporters and based on the way he played during the weekend could put him ahead of Terrelle Pryor as the backup quarterback on the roster behind Matt Flynn, who is likely the early candidate to start. The Raiders made a number of moves prior to the draft this offseason, including trading for Flynn and trading away last year's starter Carson Palmer to the Arizona Cardinals. The team also moved down in the draft and still got the man they wanted in DJ Hayden and the team also signed cornerbacks Tracy Porter and Mike Jenkins to help shore up a weak secondary from last season.
The team has been moving away from the moves of the regime over the past few years and the resignation of Amy Trask over the weekend continues that trend. The Raiders released veterans Michael Huff and Darrius Heyward-Bey and also signed linebackers Nick Roach and Kevin Burnett. General manager Reggie McKenzie has done a good job with a bad financial situation and adding Wilson to the quarterback mix could pay big dividends for the future, as he could be a solid backup for Flynn over the untested Pryor and he also could end up being the starter if he outplays Flynn in training camp.
Last year Flynn had a similar situation happen to him after he signed a three year contract with the Seahawks, but Russell Wilson ended up winning the starting job over him, but it is likely that the Raiders will give Flynn every chance since they traded for him. Flynn has limited starting experience with just two games under his belt, but he showed great potential in one of those starts for the Packers, throwing for nearly 500 yards and six touchdowns to set a team record at the time.
The Raiders see Flynn as a starter for the immediate future and he could play at quarterback for the next few seasons while Wilson or Pryor develop into the long-term starter. The Raiders also brought 14 undrafted rookies into camp over the weekend and the depth on the roster could help the team improve next season as well. Wilson will rise his senior season at Arkansas into the NFL after he threw for 3,387 yards and 21 touchdowns along with 13 interceptions.
