Raiders Mandatory Minicamp 2014: Storylines to follow

Dec 22, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders right end Mychal Rivera (81) is defended by San Diego Chargers cornerback Shareece Wright (29) on a 37-yard reception during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Which tight end will answer Dennis Allen’s challenge? 

Dennis Allen was not happy with the Raiders tight end’s during the OTA sessions, going as far as admitting that the team didn’t address the depth of the position this offseason as well as stating that one of three tight ends in the Raiders roster will need to step up and fill the number one role.

Mychal Rivera remains the lone tight end who made an impact last season, linking up well with Matt McGloin in the second half of the season and showing promise in his rookie season while David Ausberry was set to be the number one option last year before hitting the IR. Rivera and Ausberry likely will be the Raiders two main tight end options in 2014, but neither are great at run blocking or are considered to be gamebreakers in the passing game despite both having some moments of promise in their highlight reels. Both are far superior options compared to project Nick Kasa, who has some promising tools but has just recently taken up the position after playing defense most of his college career at Colorado.

With Matt Schaub historically using his tight ends often in the passing game both Rivera and Ausberry will have a chance to prove that they can produce for the Raiders this season, but both will likely need to improve in the key area of run blocking if the Raiders are to consider either as a well rounded option. Both could provide a spark as is, but with Allen looking for a true #1 TE somebody is going to have to grow into the role soon.