Coach Allen fields questions about rookie mini camp
By Steve Corkran
Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at 2:24 pm in Oakland Raiders.
First-year Raiders coach Dennis Allen is in the midst of presiding over a rookie mini camp for the first time. On Saturday, he spoke with the media about his thoughts on his new players and the team after the second of three practices in Alameda. Here is the entire trancript:
Q: What do you look to get out of this weekend?
Allen: Really we’re just trying to get a good evaluation of the rookies, both the drafted players and the undrafted players. We’ve had a couple of good practices already. We have another walk-through this evening and one more good practice tomorrow.
Q: Why so many tryout guys?
A: The big thing is, we wanted to be able to run an offense and a defense and have a couple of deep to be able to do that. We wanted to take a look at a lot of different guys and see what we could come up with. We’ve all been a part of a lot of teams where you find guys that can play for you that you bring in on a tryout basis. We wanted to have a chance to look at a lot of guys and we were able to do that.
Q: 90-man roster give more guys chances?
A: The big thing is we have the ability to get to a 90-man roster and we want to make sure that the guys we bring in all are capable of potentially making the team. That’s part of the evaluation process that we’re going through today.
Q: Anybody jump out at you?
A: There have been several guys that have really jumped out at me. I know (Rod) Streater, the wide receiver out of Temple, has done a really nice job. He’s been pretty impressive. Obviously, the defensive end Kaelin (Burnett) that we got out of Nevada has been a nice addition as a Sam linebacker and a guy who can put his hand on the ground and rush on third downs. Those are just a couple of the guys.
Q: How does Burris adjust to NFL after playing in and out in college?
A: Football is football. There are only so many different things you can ask guys to do. The thing we liked about him from the very beginning is he is an instinctive football player and he does understand how to play the game. We’re going to put him in positions to give him a chance to be successful and let him use his athleticism, let him use his instincts to make plays.
Q: What does Travis Ivey bring to table?
A: He’s a big powerful guy inside who has the ability to be a good run-stopping player inside.
Q: Help to have a guy who has played NT in 3-4?
A: It helps a lot. We’re obviously always going to be looking for guys we can do multiple things with. Anytime you’re talking about first and second down and stopping the run, you need a big guy inside to be able to do that. He’s a nice piece to be able to work with. He’s been out here working and trying to get better. We’ll see where we’re at when we get through camp and see if he’s good enough to make the team.
Q: What are your weeks like?
A: Its’ been busy. It’s been pretty smooth. You kind of take it phase by phase. We just finished up with the draft phase and now we’re really kind of getting into the football phase of the offseason program. It’s been pretty smooth. It’s been exciting and every day there’s something different that shows up. You wake up every morning and wonder what life has in store for you.
Q: How helpful to have rookie camp before OTAs?
A: It’s extremely important. We’ve had the veteran players here for a while and have already been through a minicamp with them. The rookies are obviously behind from a mental and a physical standpoint. They’re going to have to work hard and work fast to get caught up because if they don’t get caught up pretty soon they’ll fall behind. It’s real important to have this camp for them.
Q: What have you seen from Burris physically?
A: He’s a tough, physical player. When you’re in these camps, it’s hard to really tell how physical a guy is going to be because of the rules and the way we have to go about practicing. I’ve seen every indication that he’s fully athletic enough to play the positions that we’re going to ask him to play. We’re excited about him.
Q: Thoughts on Bergstrom?
A: He’s done a nice job. He fits the scheme, the zone running scheme and he has some athleticism. He’ll be a nice fit in there.
Q: Stay at left guard for now?
A: We’re going to start with him at left guard and give him a chance to work and compete and see where he’s at.
Q: Reece signed yet?
A: Marcel Reece has been tendered and Reggie (McKenzie, general manager) and him and his agent have been working on trying to get the deal finished up.
Q: Will he be here Tuesday?
A: I don’t know whether we’ll see him on Tuesday or not but hopefully we’ll see him soon.
Q: Desmond Bryant?
A: Desmond Bryant has been out here working.
Q: Your thoughts on DHB facing a drunken driving charge?
“It’s a situation that we’re aware of and we’re monitoring. We’ll see how the whole legal proceedings carry out and then we’ll kind of go from there.”
Not the best way to start a new era here?
“No, but you know what? Until we get all the facts of the case, we’re not going to rush to judgment on anything. Get all the facts and then play it out from there.”
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
May 12th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Once again.
May 12th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
What about Cumbie
May 12th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Man wish I could be there in person! Just have to read about it. Getting fired up for the season!
May 12th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Thanks Steve…good lookin out!
May 12th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
With the minicamp opening up football seems alot closer. Usually i give away the preseason games but this year im going against dallas.
May 12th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
I am looking forward to seeing Pryor, and I am also looking forward to seeing Palmer and McFadden on the field at the same time.
May 12th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
I know (Rod) Streater, the wide receiver out of Temple, has done a really nice job.”
That’s encouraging and exciting….Oaktown appears to be well stocked at wide receiver.
May 12th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
The Realist Dirty Raccoon Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Once again.
++++++++
sheer luck
May 12th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
The thing we liked about him from the very beginning is he is an instinctive football player and he does understand how to play the game.
++++++++
Can the same be said for Mayor McCheese?
May 12th, 2012 at 3:45 pm
NFL needs to bump up players from 53 to 63.
Practice squad from 8 to 15.
May 12th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Thec
I agree and now with all the issues with concussions they might have to soon
May 12th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
I want to hear what Tarver and Knapp had to say today. guess I better go check twitter.
May 12th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Thanks for the Q&A interview with Coach DA Cork. I enjoyed the article. I would like to know more info about how Jack Crawford is coming along because he has a rugby background and very eager to learn the NFL. IMO Crawford may be a starter this season….who knows.
May 12th, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Alright Cork!
Great job on the last few posts
Its really interesting to take a look at the guys that are trying to fulfill their NFL dreams as rooks, strive and work hard and hopefully become a part of …The Raiders…
May 12th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Dennis Allen so far seems to be legit; very good communicator
Can’t help but look at all the guys brought in and think about what Lance Kiffen said a few years ago that “the team lacked depth”, looks like Reggie Mac is doing a good job bringing in some quality depth guys that may be able to suprise some folks, looks to be some potential diamonds in the rough.
May 12th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
Can’t wait to see CP3 and McFadden on the field together, I can see Dmac breaking off some long runs with Palmer’s arm threating the pass-D;
May 12th, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Kiffin was referring to Al Davis’s team, in 2007-8, not this one.
May 12th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
We should really move houston inside
May 12th, 2012 at 5:13 pm
raidertalk Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
…I can see Dmac breaking off some long runs…
+++++++++++++++++++
Would that be before he hurts his pinky toe? Those hangnails are a beyotch!
May 12th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Not a great sign for the vets and draft picks when the coach mentions a few nobodys as the standouts.
May 12th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
Marks hair Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Not a great sign for the vets and draft picks when the coach mentions a few nobodys as the standouts.
=======================================
It’s rookie camp.
May 12th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
Seymour Bush Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
Marks hair Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Not a great sign for the vets and draft picks when the coach mentions a few nobodys as the standouts.
=======================================
It’s rookie camp.
++++++++++++++++++++
There’s a grand total of 11 vets there and I’ll bet everyone is worried about their j.o.b.
May 12th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
“Of those in attendance, there are all six players selected in the draft last month, 11 selected veterans, 13 undraftedd free agents that were signed soon after the draft, and 30 players in on a tryout basis.”
May 12th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
In the past, the Raiders have granted full access to some of the mini camps. That isn’t the case this year. The media aren’t allowed to watch the remainder of the 90-minute practice. They also weren’t permitted access Friday.
======================================
You guys are being tough on Cork. He has to watch through a hole in the fence along with priesttj.
May 12th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
McCheese should be at the rookie camp also, he sure plays like one…
May 12th, 2012 at 5:30 pm
There’s a grand total of 11 vets there and I’ll bet everyone is worried about their j.o.b.
=========================================
When they ask who stood out, I don’t think Dennis Allen wants to say, “well, Carson, Dmac and Rich Seymour looked good against the scrubs”……
May 12th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
Serious Seymour….the 11 selected veterans are not dudes that have to worry about their jobs. I can easily name 11 vets on the roster right now that should be scared of losing their jobs.
May 12th, 2012 at 5:42 pm
Denarius Moore was a nobody.
May 12th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Q: Why so many tryout guys?
A: The big thing is, we wanted to be able to run an offense and a defense and have a couple of deep to be able to do that. We wanted to take a look at a lot of different guys and see what we could come up with. We’ve all been a part of a lot of teams where you find guys that can play for you that you bring in on a tryout basis. We wanted to have a chance to look at a lot of guys and we were able to do that.
——————————————-
Translation: We have a history of underachievement here. I don’t even know what I have in terms of commitment from the core roster. I’m going to subject them to more competition than in the past in order to show them there’s a new sheriff in town, and no more riding on reputation. So I need bodies to do that, and that’s why I’m bringing in scrubs because you never know who’ll put in the extra effort to surpass expectations.
May 12th, 2012 at 5:49 pm
I think the 11 vets are the practice squad players and such
May 12th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
ohioraider Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Translation: We have a history of underachievement here. I don’t even know what I have in terms of commitment from the core roster. I’m going to subject them to more competition than in the past in order to show them there’s a new sheriff in town, and no more riding on reputation. So I need bodies to do that, and that’s why I’m bringing in scrubs because you never know who’ll put in the extra effort to surpass expectations.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Reminds me of those employment ads that say, “Looking for 10 people to work right away for 10 people who wouldn’t!”
Dennis Allen for President!
May 12th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
Marks Hair Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Not a great sign for the vets and draft picks when the coach mentions a few nobodys as the standouts.
============================================
It means he’s pleasantly surprised by them. No big deal.
May 12th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
Q: What have you seen from Burris physically?
A: He’s a tough, physical player. When you’re in these camps, it’s hard to really tell how physical a guy is going to be because of the rules and the way we have to go about practicing. I’ve seen every indication that he’s fully athletic enough to play the positions that we’re going to ask him to play. We’re excited about him.
========================================
Translation: We have a guy we think is ready to take over in middle.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Travis Ivey wii certainly make the team.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Seymour Bush Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
Translation: We have a guy we think is ready to take over in middle.
===========================================
Disagree. I think it means Allen and Tarver are looking at Burris for WLB, with Curry either moving inside to take McClain’s job or being a super-sub backup.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:09 pm
Get your Burris jerseys ready.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
I think we’ll carry 8 LBs. Multi-defense, meaning 3-4 heavily involved, as too nickel-like packages with 3 down lineman, etc. Allen said earlier in the year that the LB position would be a focal point of the defensive scheme, a lot of blitzing and looks from there, a lot of play-making expected from it. So will need about 8 LBs for the OLB/ILB positions. Some of those might be taken by the likes of Shaughnessy and Tollefson in a Lamarr Woodley manner.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:16 pm
*nickel packages with 2 down linemen. ^
May 12th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Lucas Nix looks like he needs to spend some more time in the weight room. Noodle arms.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
Mig Mac seems to have a “type”…He once said size and speed is good if combined with production (paraphrasing).
That being said, on field production with an added caveat that if you are a WR you best be tall.
Ford appears to the only runt of the lot..and he wasn’t picked by Big Mac…
May 12th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
Kirk Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
I am looking forward to seeing Pryor, and I am also looking forward to seeing Palmer and McFadden on the field at the same time
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I don’t know about Pryor but I’m definitely loking forward to seeing Palmer and McFadden on the field at the same time-for the first time.
I also like McKenzie’s emphasis on the OL.
I’m not so crazy about the scouting changes.
Al and the scouts often did well in the middle rounds although in the first round I sometimes thought I was going to have a stroke.
McKenzie though is entitled to hire his own people but does it have to be from the fuk’n Jets?
May 12th, 2012 at 6:25 pm
priesttj Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:55 pm
If Al Davis was running the show the complaints would be loud and accusatory. Paranoia and dysfunction would be the operative words. It took these guys 10x as long to announce the UNDFA yet no one complained. No access to minicamp hardly a wimper. If Mr Davis did the same thing there would be an uproar……….I’m not complaining about the way they’re operating but I’m shocked no one else is whinning.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I agree with you Priest but for fuk’s sake, there is only one “n” in whining. I thought you were talking about winning.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:28 pm
*well two if you count the second syllable.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
Seymour Bush Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 5:30 pm
There’s a grand total of 11 vets there and I’ll bet everyone is worried about their j.o.b.
=========================================
When they ask who stood out, I don’t think Dennis Allen wants to say, “well, Carson, Dmac and Rich Seymour looked good against the scrubs”……
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LOL.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
The pics from Day 2 are up.
Either Reggie was patrolling the sidelines, or Raleigh Mac’s in the house.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:46 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
McKenzie though is entitled to hire his own people but does it have to be from the fuk’n Jets?
==================================================
Who cares what team he hired them from as long as they can do the job?
May 12th, 2012 at 6:56 pm
RaiderDuck Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
The pics from Day 2 are up.
Either Reggie was patrolling the sidelines, or Raleigh Mac’s in the house.
——-
Looks like Reggie keeping a watchful eye.
Some big boys in #90’s in one of the shots.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
RaiderDuck Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 6:46 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
McKenzie though is entitled to hire his own people but does it have to be from the fuk’n Jets?
==================================================
Who cares what team he hired them from as long as they can do the job?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Well that would be because the Jets draft record isn’t one I want the Raiders to aspire to.
May 12th, 2012 at 7:08 pm
McFadden “making cuts at full speed”
Running backs coach Kelly Skipper had some encouraging words to say about running back Darren McFadden on Saturday.
McFadden was on pace for a 1,600-yard season last year before a Week 7 mid-foot sprain, later called a Lisfranc injury, pulled the plug on that.
“The thing about Darren is he didn’t have any major surgeries, so he’s able to come back here healthy and he’s playing at a high level right now and it’s offseason,” Skipper said. “So, that’s a good thing. … He’s out here. You would never know he got hurt. He’s making cuts at full speed, everything. There’s no problem with that.
Source SF Gate
#####################
I just heard a donkey squeal… Looks like our intertrade odds just got a little better.
May 12th, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Making cuts at full speed. Now. 4 1/2 months after the season ended.
Hue is so full of [MULTIPLE EXPLETIVES DELETED]
May 12th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Rookie-Mini-Camp-Continues/b67523a8-5bba-4cf6-a078-a76a4f35d601
good quote from Criner in this short article
May 12th, 2012 at 7:26 pm
a good old sprint
http://prod.images.raiders.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/RAIDERS/assets/images/imported/OAK/photos/clubimages/2012/05-May/RookiesDay2-22–nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg
May 12th, 2012 at 7:27 pm
“The thing about Darren is he didn’t have any major surgeries, so he’s able to come back here healthy and he’s playing at a high level right now and it’s offseason,” Skipper said. “So, that’s a good thing. … He’s out here. You would never know he got hurt. He’s making cuts at full speed, everything. There’s no problem with that.
======================================
Translation: Dmac wouldn’t play for Hue Jackson.
May 12th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
marquette king impressing the coaches
http://prod.images.raiders.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/RAIDERS/assets/images/imported/OAK/photos/clubimages/2012/05-May/RookiesDay2-49–nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg
May 12th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Some of those pics are funny as fk, Tarver’s face when throwing the football and what the hell is going on in pic #49?
May 12th, 2012 at 7:33 pm
Loving this guy already, gonna become a fan favorite, kinda reminds me of Howie Long in a way.
http://prod.images.raiders.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/RAIDERS/assets/images/imported/OAK/photos/clubimages/2012/05-May/RookiesDay2-66–nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg
May 12th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
pic 49…
http://prod.images.raiders.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/RAIDERS/assets/images/imported/OAK/photos/clubimages/2012/05-May/RookiesDay2-48–nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg
Looks like a bottle of beer
May 12th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
Realtruraider Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Some of those pics are funny as fk, Tarver’s face when throwing the football and what the hell is going on in pic #49?
==========================================
Look like they’re working on….something or other.
May 12th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
treatment you get when you do something wrong??
http://prod.images.raiders.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/RAIDERS/assets/images/imported/OAK/photos/clubimages/2012/05-May/RookiesDay2-38–nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg
May 12th, 2012 at 7:38 pm
57
Yeah I thought the same, reminds me of Howie
May 12th, 2012 at 7:40 pm
it’s a gatorade bottle guys!
May 12th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
Would make for a good “caption this” or “what are they saying” pic.
May 12th, 2012 at 10:43 pm
Burris wasnt a stand out amongst the walk ons.. Its early but still.. Not gonna be a starter this yr..
May 13th, 2012 at 3:17 am
[...] Coach Allen fields questions about rookie mini camp First-year Raiders coach Dennis Allen is in the midst of presiding over a rookie mini camp for the first time. On Saturday, he spoke with the media about his thoughts on his new players and the team after the second of three practices in Alameda. Her… [...]
May 14th, 2012 at 12:07 am
Marks hair Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 10:43 pm
Burris wasnt a stand out amongst the walk ons.. Its early but still.. Not gonna be a starter this yr..
****
how have you determined whether Burris was a standout in mini camp, how much does it matter anyway, and like you say it’s too early to tell who’s gonna start in 2012
don’t read too much into the coach giving props to a free agent or two; giving props to one guy isn’t necessarily knocking the others, at least if comment is a one-time thing
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:51 am
secrets to taking cool camera toss photos…
[...]Coach Allen fields questions about rookie mini camp – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group[...]…