Oakland Raiders news: Derek Carr looks to take game to the next level

Derek Carr looks to go from good to great in camp. Eddie Vanderdoes is fitting in seamlessly with the first teamers. Keith McGill might be out for a while.

Get out of bed. It’s time for the Black Hole Roll Call. Camp had its ups and downs for the Raiders on Saturday. While Derek Carr and Eddie Vanderdoes continue to have a great start to camp, Sean Smith looks to be on the fast way out of town.

The secondary looks to be a bit banged up with rookie safety Obi Melifonwu being held out for a second straight day. However, it’s not looking good for defensive back and special teams player Keith McGill. He left practice early, was seen walking around camp on crutches and probably needs surgery.

Also, we’re not going to classify second-year player Jalen Richard as a one-game wonder. He’s making use of having Marshawn Lynch to learn from at Raiders camp. Here is some of the best news you might have missed on your Raiders from Saturday.

Carr perfect for Raiders, but not a perfect QB. When (and where) will he take next step? – Ailene Voisin of The Sacramento Bee

Voisin writes that Carr is the perfect quarterback for the Raiders, though he still has room for improvement heading into year for. She mentions that Carr “has a tendency to throw flat-footed, which causes him to underthrow receivers.” He did lead the league in drops last year. Improved footwork in and out of the pocket could be the next phase of his rise to stardom.

Source: Keith McGill to see specialist after injuring foot during Raiders practice – Scott Bair of CSN Bay Area

Just as special teams coach Brad Seely spoke highly of the leadership of McGill, the special teams player will have “to see a specialist after injuring [his] foot during Raiders practice.” Bair mentions that McGill was seen walking around on crutches after practice and that surgery could be in play. Add in that rookie Obi Melifonwu was held out again and the Raiders are starting to look pretty banged up in the secondary.

Raiders DT Eddie Vanderdoes turning it up, sacks Derek Carr again – Will Hernandez of Raiders Wire

Hernandez writes that Vanderdoes continues to impress in camp, as the rookie has earned first-team reps. This includes sacking Carr several times over the last few days. It seems that general manager Reggie McKenzie has found another gem in another one of his Raiders drafts. If the Raiders get the 2014 UCLA version of Vanderdoes, look out, AFC.

Next: Oakland Raiders: 5 easiest games for 2017

Training Camp Notebook: Jalen Richard Talks Lessons Learned From Marshawn Lynch – Eddie Paskal of Raiders.com

Richard had a great start to his rookie year in 2016. He found pay dirt on his first career carry for 75 yards. However, Richard is looking for staying power in the NFL out of Southern Miss. He has picked Lynch’s brain about consistency and trusting his own instincts as an NFL running back.

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