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Four things we learned after Week 1 of Raiders OTA’s

By Evan Groat

May 23, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) reacts during organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) reacts during organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Rashad Greene (13) fumbles a punt catch as Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Cory James (57) recovers during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Rashad Greene (13) fumbles a punt catch as Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Cory James (57) recovers during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Cory James is the Frontrunner at ILB

As expected, Cory James is the man to beat for the starting inside linebacker job, as he split the first-team reps at OTA’s. What comes as a surprise is that Tyrell Adams also spent time getting first-team reps.

Adams was on the practice squad for much of 2016, before being promoted to the 53-man roster in November. He saw his first game action in a 35-32 win over the Carolina Panthers. He was active from Week 12 through Week 17, serving primarily as a special teams player.

Ben Heeney was not a participant during the week, as he is still recovering form his season-ending ankle surgery. Del Rio described him a “banged up” and that he would continue to do work on the side until he is 100 percent.

With Heeney not available, it means there will be additional reps for James, Adams and rookie Marquel Lee. Whichever linebacker takes advantage of the extra opportunities will begin to pull away from the pack for the starting job.

The current inside linebacker situation really magnifies the lack of depth and experience at the position. The fact that the Raiders have yet to sign another player at this position seems mind boggling, but the fans are still holding out hope Perry Riley Jr. will return.

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