What became clear Sunday is that the Oakland Raiders’ rookie linebacker Neiron Ball will play much more on defense moving forward.
The fifth-round pick from Florida was a special-teams player for the first quarter of the season. Yet Ball played more than starter Curtis Lofton against the Denver Broncos’ spread offense. Ball played well and there is little doubt the Raiders will continue to get him opportunities.
Oakland coach Jack Del Rio said Ball has been impressing the coaches on the practice field.
“We see the skills that he brings and the work ethic that he has every day and the way that he prepares, so we increased his role,” Del Rio said. “Thought we would seek to take advantage of some things we think he’s capable of and I thought he did a nice job in his first extended activity.
“He’s got speed and athleticism. He’s a very instinctive guy. He can really run, has a good feel for the game. We were able to match him on their tight end some. He did a pretty good job in that role.”
Ball’s increased role is impressive for a fifth-round pick this early in his career. Consider Ball’s life story and it’s easy to know that this kid is simply a winner.
