HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders are nearing the conclusion of what head coach Klint Kubiak called the “underwear Olympics” portion of training camp. This week, the team will have its first padded practice and real football can commence.But the early days of camp are not for nothing. The Raiders put in a lot of high-intensity work during their initial four practices. Much could be gleaned about the makeup of the team — specifically where players stack up within the roster.The stock of several Raiders shifted — some for better, others for worse — during the opening week of training camp. Things certainly will change again after the pads come on, but here’s a look at a few players who stood out so far:Trending upBrock BowersThe star tight end has been the standout of camp so far, hands down. Bowers has made at least one big play in each practice, and seemingly in every team period. He’s had his way with every defender he’s gone up against.Bowers is dominating on crossing routes — a staple of Kubiak’s offense. A highlight of the team’s second practice came when he beat his man across the field and extended to catch a Kirk Cousins pass on the sideline, stretching out while keeping his feet in bounds. Bowers caught a pair of touchdowns from Cousins on crossing routes during their third practice. And while lined up on the perimeter on Sunday, he beat top corner Eric Stokes with an outside release before crossing his face and separating with speed for a big gain. It was the kind of play that’s difficult for most NFL wide receivers.“He’s a bigger body, and he’s smooth at the top of the route,” safeties coach Matt Robinson said. “All you need is a little bit of space, and if you put it on Brock, he’s gonna catch it. It’s a challenge for us.”Bowers was hindered last year by a nagging knee injury suffered in the season opener. But he is back healthy and looks ready to produce, like he did in his record-setting rookie year, as the focal point of this Kubiak scheme.Maxx Crosby is back in Las Vegas with a vengeanceSam WarrenHezekiah MassesKubiak challenged Masses before the team broke from mandatory minicamp in June, asking publicly if he could replicate his strong performance in the offseason program during training camp. So far, the rookie corner has risen to the occasion.Masses has earned reps with the first team opposite Stokes in every practice so far and has held his own. While it comes as a surprise that a fifth-rounder has run so much with the first unit, receiver Tre Tucker said he’s known Masses’ talent from early on.“I was watching rookie minicamp, just looking at the guys, and I was like, ‘Who is 35, man? Like he’s over everyone,’” Tucker said. “And then actually getting to go against him, I can see it.”Masses saw fewer opportunities on Sunday than he did in past practices, as second-year corner Darien Porter took most first-team reps during team periods. But if he continues on his early-camp trajectory, Masses could be a legitimate contender for a starting spot this season.
Brock Bowers, clearly healthy, is dominating training camp: Raiders stock report
A pair of rookie defensive backs were also among the Raiders who had a great opening week of training camp.













