Oakland Raiders: Five UDFAs to Watch in Training Camp
By Austin Gayle
Max McCaffrey, WR Duke
With just four returning wide receivers on the roster, the Oakland Raiders are entering training camp with six UDFA rookie wide receivers. Former Duke wide out Maxwell McCaffrey has pushed himself to the top of that list.
McCaffrey, a three-year starter for the Blue Devils, took over for now Washington Redskins receiver Jamison Crowder as Duke’s new top target in 2016, as he led the team with 52 receptions for 643 yards and five touchdowns.
At 6’2”, 194 pounds, McCaffrey is capable of playing both outside and from within the slot given his solid length and short-area quickness. McCaffrey’s top-speed was put on display during Duke’s Pro Day earlier this offseason, as he posted a 4.36-second time in the 40-yard dash, per Ryan Hoerger of The Chronicle: The Independent Daily at Duke University.
Despite having his father (former Denver Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey) almost lure him over to the Raiders’ AFC West rival Broncos, McCaffrey ultimately made the decision to begin his NFL career in Oakland. According to Eddie Paskal of Raiders.com, McCaffrey has taken full advantage of his opportunity with the Silver and Black, as he carried a strong performance in Rookie Minicamp over to OTA’s. Look for McCaffrey to create a name for himself as he continues to compete for a roster spot in training camp.
“I’ll do anything,” McCaffrey said, per Paskal. “I’ll go out there and play special teams. I’ll play receiver, make a catch when we need to, just go out there and give it my all, no matter what I’m doing. The game of football is not just the guys you see out there making catches, there’s a lot more to football and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to try to make this team.”