It may be early in the 2018 Oakland Raiders training camp, but that does not mean players aren’t already turning some heads.
With the 2018 Oakland Raiders training camp kicking off last Friday, there were bound to be some players who got out to a fast start. The Raiders welcomed over 40 new faces to Napa this season, and with a brand new coaching staff in place, there are a bunch of starting roles available.
Star defensive end Khalil Mack is not in camp yet, which means the rest of the edge rushers can step up and show what they can do. Bruce Irvin is making a full-time move to the defensive end position this season, and has really taken on a leadership role in Mack’s absence.
Then there is the curious case of Gareon Conley, who is hurt once again for the Raiders. It appears this time it is his hip, after sitting out most of his rookie season in 2017 with a shin injury. He is going to be out a couple of weeks with the current injury.
With those two aside, let us look at players who are actually putting in work on the field. These three guys are playing themselves into starting roles, even if it is early in camp.
Here are three defensive players whose stock is on the rise so far this week.