The Oakland Raiders are looking for offensive stars to emerge during training camp. The team lacks a No. 1 guy in any position on offense outside of quarterback Matt Schaub and head coach Dennis Allen is hopeful that this season sees unlikely players emerge as true threats. After showing real signs of promise during his rookie season, tight end Mychal Rivera could be that player to help lead the Raiders to success.
Rivera was drafted in the sixth round last season out of Tennessee. He was scouted very high, but dropped in the draft. He repaid the Raiders by putting up407 yards and four touchdowns. By all accounts, that was highly successful given the Raiders' offense last season. Rivera is ready to capitalize on that season and Oakland is desperate for him to considering the lack of depth sitting behind him.
The Raiders are lacking at the tight end position thanks to injuries. David Ausberry was expected to be back on the field after being out since early August when he underwent a minor knee procedure. Now, Allen has announced the loss of another player at the position. Nick Kasa has reportedly tore his ACL in a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys, leaving Rivera as the main man. Kasa was vital to the Raiders last season, playing all 16 games at tight end and special teams. He only one touchdown for the Raiders, but earned high praise for the potential he brings.
Allen is confident that Rivera can step up at tight end and really be a threat for Oakland and Schaub. After hearing praise come from offensive coordinator Greg Olson and Allen, Rivera is setting the bar him for himself. The tight end came into training camp having leaned out and added muscle and he is ready to take on multiple roles for the Raiders.
"I worked out every day and I kept my mind on football every day," Rivera said, via the Raiders team website. "I used the 4-12 season as a motivating factor. I want to win in this league, that's a goal of mine. I want to win in this league and I want to be one of the best tight ends in this league, and I see that that's attainable. I can get that."
Another player expected to be a star this season is Marcel Reece. The fullback is also playing a hybrid role for Oakland, spending time at fullback, running back and tight end. His size does not allow him to play wide receiver, but his hands make him useless as a sole running back. As the Raiders work their way through the struggles of Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew along with inconsistencies with players like Denarius Moore and Rod Streater, players like Rivera and Reece will be a welcome sight.
