The following is a look at the progress of the Oakland Raiders rookies as we reach the bye week:
ROUND 1
WR Amari Cooper: He is the crown jewel of the Raiders’ class and one of the top rookies in the NFL. The No. 4 overall pick has been the Raiders’ best receiving threat in years. He had back-to-back 100-yard receiving games in Weeks 2 and 3. Cooper is Derek Carr’s favorite target, and he is just getting started.
ROUND 2
DE Mario Edwards: Edwards, a Florida State product, made his biggest impact of the season in Week 5, playing 50 snaps after not seeing much time in the weeks before. So this may be an indication of things to come as the Raiders look to the youngsters to spark a struggling defense. Plus, Edwards may be in line for more playing time with Justin Tuck potentially out for a while with a shoulder injury.
ROUND 3
TE Clive Walford: A lot was expected from Walford, but two injuries in training camp slowed his progress. He did have a nice 33-yard catch into the red zone in Week 5. It was the type of play the Raiders imagined from the Miami product. Expect Walford, who has three catches for 38 yards this season, to get more of these chances as the season progresses and he gets more comfortable.
ROUND 4
G Jon Feliciano: If there is a disappointment in this class right now, it’s Feliciano. He has not been active. Some thought he’d compete for a starting job when he was drafted. Not all is lost, though. The Raiders like Feliciano. He is just going to take time to develop. That’s OK.
ROUND 5
LB Ben Heeney: The Kansas product is a special-teamer who has played some in sub-defensive packages. He looks like he’ll stick around awhile.
LB Neiron Ball: Ball is the most intriguing rookie on the club right now. He played at middle linebacker extensively in Week 5 and played very well. He was a big reason why the Raiders had their best defensive effort of the season. He will get a chance to keep it up after the bye. He’s definitely a player to watch.
ROUND 6
DE Max Valles: He was cut in September and signed to the practice squad. He is a tall, skinny kid with some pass-rush potential, who is not helping the team now but is still in the program.
ROUND 7
T Anthony Morris: He was put on the injured reserve and since released.
KR Andre Debose: He tore his Achilles in the spring and will have to try to make the team next year.
CB Dexter McDonald: He made the team but hasn’t been much of a factor.
UNDRAFTED PLAYERS
S Tevin McDonald: He has bounced back and forth from the practice squad.
S Keenan Lambert: He was originally signed by Seattle. Oakland claimed him off waivers in September. He plays on special teams. UPDATE: Lambert was waived Thursday afternoon.
