The Oakland Raiders kicked off their organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, and we are already starting to see storylines begin.
On Tuesday, the Oakland Raiders began organized team activities, or OTAs as they are so lovingly referred to, and the storylines are already coming to light. The team worked together for two hours, and within that time, there were a few things that really stood out.
The 2018 NFL season will be head coach Jon Gruden’s first back in the league in ten years, as he last coached for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Prior to Tampa Bay, Gruden was the face of the Oakland Raiders franchise, leading the team to 38 wins in his four seasons as the helm, including making the playoffs twice.
He built the last Raiders team that went to the Super Bowl, though he ended up beating Oakland in that game as the coach of the Buccaneers. Still, he is a beloved figure in Raider Nation, and was a big reason why so many free agents came to Oakland this offseason.
While Khalil Mack was not in attendance, as expected, many veterans were, and while this is a voluntary minicamp, it speaks volumes as to this team wanting to get back to the top of the AFC West. There are plenty of battles going on within the roster, and Tuesday was the first opportunity for the team to start putting people in place.
Here are three storylines outside the fact Mack was not in attendance on Day One.