Raiders Mandatory Minicamp 2014: Storylines to follow

Nov 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans tight end Garrett Graham (88) makes a reception during the fourth quarter as Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Kevin Burnett (94) defends at Reliant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Texans 28-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Burnett’s role, participation at mandatory minicamp 

Kevin Burnett started the Raiders voluntary OTA’s as the team’s sole absence during Week One, leading some to question his future with the team as the veteran outside linebacker with an expiring contract has serious competition for playing time in 2014 thanks to fifth overall pick Khalil Mack, impressive 2013 rookie Sio Moore as well as a 100% healthy Miles Burris all looking for more playing time and providing more upside than the veteran.

While Burnett did report to OTA’s eventually, he spent most of his time working on the sidelines with trainers thanks to an ankle injury that appeared to explain his early absence from OTA’s. Still, with only one season left on his deal and emerging talent all around him it is possible he may be the odd veteran out when the Raiders begin to make cuts later on in the process towards naming a 53 man roster. It is early, but fans may want to start preparing for a potential Burnett exit from Oakland sooner rather than later. Something that could be further cleared up if the 31 year old’s reps with the first team at weakside linebacker are taken up by the likes of Moore/Mack/Burris.