Photo by Tony Gonzales/raiders.com
The LB corps is outstanding. There are some really, really, really good players in this group. Khalil Mack was a workhorse and had a very good day, all while suffering from leg cramps part of practice. However, he powered through them and made some pretty good plays. He’s not perfect, but he’s going to be really good. I for one believe that he will make good on his promise of sacking Peyton Manning. The Raiders coaching staff uses him as a pass rusher a lot, so he will get his opportunities.
Sio Moore and Miles Burris continue to split reps, and both players are impressive. Even out of pads, these players were bumping and pushing and shoving their player opponents around. I love the aggression, because it shows a hungry defense. Nick Roach will continue to be the MLB, and he definitely takes charge of getting everyone lined up correctly. This group is going to be special to watch.
After these four LB’s, it’s really going to be tough to nail down who else makes the team. Carlos Fields definitely had a very solid showing at practice. He covers WR’s pretty well, and he was shutting the door and filling the gaps on run plays. His chances are fair to good that he makes the 53-man roster. Kaluka Maiava was nowhere to be seen, and Marshall McFadden was on the sidelines without a helmet all day. Justin Cole and Bojay Filimoeatu had an okay day, but nothing to write home about. Though, Filimoeatu did pick off a Derek Carr pass that was tipped at the line by DT Torell Troup. Kaelin Burnett was out there running hard and pushing himself, but I’m not sure where he fits just yet.
One thing to note, Mack, Moore, and Burnett were being used to rush the QB a lot. Maybe they convert Burnett to a DE?