Raiders’ newcomer Bryant has some catching up to do
Gruden criticizes receiver Raiders got from Pittsburgh for third-round pick
NAPA >> Martavis Bryant might be the fastest player on the Raiders, but he’s got some ground to make up after eight training camp practices.
Acquired for a thirdround draft pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the feeling was Bryant was a threat to score from anywhere on the field, with the additional benefit of taking safeties deep to open up underneath and medium range routes.
So far, big plays from Bryant in training camp have been few and far between, and that included Saturday’s non-padded workout during which a handful of veteran players sat it out. It didn’t help that Bryant was sick and missed practice Wednesday. With Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson apparently entrenched as starters, and others such as Ryan Switzer and rookie Marcell Ateman enjoying strong training camps, coach Jon Gruden is looking for Bryant to kick it into gear.
“He’s got to get out here and play better,” Gruden said. “He’s in a competitive situation, and right now there are a lot of other receivers that have had a nice camp. He’s had illnesses, he’s got to master the offense and be more versatile. And that’s the key to making this team better.”
Seven practices remain in training camp before the Raiders reconvene in Alameda. They haven’t played a preseason game yet. It’s conceivable Gruden is simply trying to turn up the heat on the 6-foot-4, 210-pound receiver who got glowing reviews from the head coach in the off-season.
Gruden’s insistence that wide receivers learn the responsibilities of both outside
positions as well as the slot can slow a learning curve.
“He’s in a competitive situation,” Gruden said. “Nothing is going to be given to anybody. It doesn’t matter how you got here or what your history card says. We need everybody to understand, the best players play, he’s got to be more consistent and I’m confident he will.”
• Gruden estimated 17 players sat out. Quarterback Derek Carr had only a few snaps, leaving most of the work to Connor Cook and
E.J. Manuel. Others who were given the day off included running backs Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin, linebacker Derrick Johnson, defensive end Bruce Irvin, wide receiver Lee Smith, Nelson, center Rodney Hudson and guards Gabe Jackson and Kelechi Osemele.
• Jackson missed his second straight practice for undisclosed reasons. Gruden said Jackson was “banged up” and expected to see him at practice Monday.
• The Raiders held their yearly Family Day, with relatives and significant others treated to a barbecue on tables and chairs set up near the field house. The Raiders have Sunday off, giving players an extra day to be with their families.
• Left tackle Donald Penn is “getting close” after off-season Lisfranc surgery as Gruden continues to rave about rookie firstround draft pick Kolton Miller, who has taken every rep with the first team protecting Carr’s blind side.
Until Penn gets on the field and proves he can start, there will be no discussion about having Miller get work on the right side.
“Donald Penn is going to have to come back on the field and get himself going again, and take a little time,” Gruden said. “We love what Kolton Miller is doing. We’ll address that situation where it happens. but it’s a good situation to have.”
• Gruden was encouraged to see cornerback Gareon Conley (hip injury) a recent walkthrough, but held to the approximate two week time frame. That would put Conley out another week That injury, as well as a broken finger sustained by Erik Harris, has opened up competition in the secondary.
“Conley’s injury has opened the door for everything,” Gruden said. “Erik Harris, he’s been out the last couple of days, it’s wide open at the safety position. The Lions come in here, dealing with Matt Stafford and these Lions receivers, it will be a great test and we’ll formulate our depth chart.”
The Raiders practice again Monday, then have joint practices against the Lions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Marcell Ateman, a seventh-round draft pick who has flashed with his jumpand-catch ability on back shoulder fades, sunk to his knees to make a nice grab from Manuel.
“We had a personnel meeting the other night and everybody is talking about Ateman,” Gruden said. “We’re going to play the best guys and right now he’s earning the right to get on the field.”
After staying to one side and seldom moving from that spot before the snap, Ateman is enjoying expanding his game.
“I’m playing inside, playing outside, different route combinations, I just feel like it fits my game,” Ateman said.