HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — As the Raiders prepare for their season, the vast majority of media and fan focus remains on quarterback Fernando Mendoza.While Mendoza has put together stretches in training camp that showed why Las Vegas took him first in the NFL draft, he isn’t the only rookie of note.Other first-year pros are showing they could make significant contributions to a franchise that is looking for a spark after winning seven games over the past two seasons.“That’s part of the plan that coach (Klint Kubiak) put in place,” assistant head coach Mike McCoy said. “As you see, everybody’s getting reps right now through the first two weeks of practice that we’re getting into and just give everyone an opportunity to show what they can do.”Here are four rookies worth monitoring:
WR Malik BensonSixth-round draft picks often aren’t guaranteed to make an NFL roster, much less earn a significant role.Benson, who also is getting work as a punt returner, regularly plays with the first- and second-team offenses, and he has developed a rapport with Mendoza. The two connect multiple times a day.He also has worked well with starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.
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“I’m pleased with his improvement, his progress,” wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni said. “Long way to go. He’s still a rookie, makes those rookie mistakes. But I’m pleased with his effort, his attitude. He’s extremely coachable. He’s tough. You do that, you got a chance. And he’s improving every day, which is what I want to see.”
