Can the rookies continue to impress
On both sides of the ball, the Raiders rookies really impressed against the Lions, stating their case for serious playing time this season. Heck, even the special teams got in the mix, as both Johnny Townsend and Eddy Pineiro showed they are going to be a solid tandem in the kicking game in 2017.
On defense, we got to see PJ Hall and Maurice Hurst Jr. really dominate inside, getting great push alongside veteran Justin Ellis. Hall had a sack, and a batted ball, while Hurst showed the kind of power that should have landed him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Running back Chris Warren III and wide receiver Marcell Ateman excelled on the offensive side of the ball, and are slowly making their case for a spot on the 53-man roster. Warren led the Raiders with nearly 90 yards rushing, and Ateman showed great ability by hauling in four passes against Detroit.
All of these rookies were so impressive on Friday night, and we did not get to see one rookie who has been the talk of camp so far. Defensive end Arden Key is going to be a sack master in this league, and after returning to practice this week, we will finally see him in game action against the Rams.