Defensive Drama and Offensive Drive: Day Two of Raiders Minicamp

CHRISTIAN WILKINS CUT

Two days into camp, and no drama. You knew something was bound to happen. The Raiders decided to release defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and void the remaining $35.2 million guaranteed on his contract due to the way he handled his rehabilitation from the Jones fracture he suffered in his left foot last October. 

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Raiders wanted Wilkins to get surgery on his foot. He wasn't feeling that, and apparently turned down several different medical opinions on the matter. 

This has shades of Antonio Brown and his frozen feet written all over it. Wilkins has apparently filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association. 

WHO FILLS THE VOID?

With Wilkins gone, there's a big opportunity for somebody to step into that vacant spot along the defensive line. Some guys of note who have taken snaps at the three-technique spot include Jonah Laulu, Tyree Wilson, and rookies Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues. After the first day of practice, Maxx Crosby talked about the guys along the defensive line who have gotten more looks while Wilkins has been out and offered up an interesting name to keep an eye on. I shared this quote in Wednesday's newsletter, but given the recent developments, I think it's worth revisiting.

In 2024, Jonah played a total of 474 snaps (209 as a three-technique, per Pro Football Focus), tallying 35 total tackles, one sack, 10 pressures, eight hurries, two batted passes, and one QB hit. 

Those aren't Christian Wilkins numbers. When healthy, he's proven more often than not that he's one of the better interior defensive linemen in the league. I'm not saying Jonah (or whoever fills Christian's shoes) won't be a difference maker for this team, but with Wilkins gone, there are some big shoes to fill. Which makes for another intriguing position battle to watch going forward. 

MISS ANYTHING?

Catch up on some of our recent stories:

JEANTY WANTS TO BE THE MOTOR

If the Raiders' 2024 offense were a car, I would picture it as some sort of jalopy that can never quite fire up on the first or second try. Maybe that's because they rushed for a league-worst 79.8 yards per carry last year. Or because their offensive line finished 22nd in the league in run block win rate. For what it's worth, I think a scheme change and better coaching will work wonders for this offensive line, but let's be real, they weren't the only reason the rushing attack struggled; there were yards left out on the table. That's where Ashton Jeanty comes in. 

He had one of the best seasons by a running back in college football history, forced 106 broken tackles, and racked up 4.8 yards after contact per attempt, per PFF. He has to prove he can be that guy in the NFL, but as I mentioned on Wednesday, he seems to fit the bill. But we won't get to see that side of his game till they throw the pads on on Monday. Today, we're talking about his ability as a pass catcher. 

Jeanty led the country in receiving yards by a running back in 2023 with 569 yards through the air but that number dropped to just 138 yards in 2024 and he says he's excited to showcase that area of his game in Chip Kelly's offense which he feels will feature him more in that area than Dirk Koetter's offense did at Boise State last year.

Fantasy football fans, take note. 

OBSERVATIONS FROM PRACTICE

• On day one of training camp, the offense kept things pretty simple and didn't stretch the field much, but on day two, they opened things up a bit more. They made it a point to attack the outside lanes. Overall, I'd say it was an up-and-down day for them in that regard. Geno connected with Jakobi on a nice corner route, and they had some nice plays, but the connection between the QBs and their receivers was a bit off on those sideline throws. We're only two days into camp, so let's not freak out about that. 

• Speaking of Jakobi Meyers, the connection between him and Geno Smith is real. Geno looked to him early and often on Thursday. Don't take my word for it, though. Chip sees the continuity they have, and he loves the versatility Jakobi brings to the table. 

• Germaine Pratt caught my eye at Thursday’s practice. His first step is so fast, just no wasted movement to it. I'm interested to see what his usage looks like in this linebacking core. 

• Jamal Adams worked with the linebackers in individual drills. I mentioned in the last newsletter that GM John Spytek said they view him as an in-the-box, closer to the line of scrimmage kind of player rather than a typical free safety, and Elandon Roberts likes him in that role, too. 

• Last but not least, we gotta talk about turnovers. I know how much you guys like to hear about who came away with picks at practice. First, it was Isaiah Pola-Mao. Geno was trying to hit a hole shot down the left sideline, and Isaiah flew in there for the leaping grab and got his feet down for the INT on the sideline. Not long after that, Trey Taylor picked off Aidan O'Connell. I didn't get a great look at that one, so that's all I can offer on his interception. 

WHAT’S NEXT?

We'll be back out at Raiders practice today for day three of training camp. We're slated to talk to Pete Carroll, so no doubt we'll try to get his take on the decision to part ways with Christian Wilkins. 

With that in mind, make sure you keep your eyes and ears peeled for our first episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast. We'll have three days of practice to pull from and plenty of storylines to hash out as we head into the weekend. 

Catch ya next time,