Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
INDIANAPOLIS — Jack Del Rio has emerging stars at two of the most important positions on both sides of the ball, and the Oakland Raiders head coach arrived at the NFL combine on Wednesday confident that his young roster is poised to continue its development.
Expectations are shifting following two strong drafts, beginning with landing pass rusher Khalil Mack at No. 5 overall and quarterback Derek Carr in the second round in 2014. Mack is already considered one of the most feared defenders in the NFL, while Carr has shown all the traits needed to develop into a top-tier franchise quarterback.
With those foundational pieces just entering their prime, Del Rio is looking forward to getting into the offseason program to help them understand the “nuances” of their respective positions.
“They’re great kids, team-first guys,” Del Rio said. “They’re both very talented. But the key really is to apply yourself and continue to develop your skills. I think there’s growth ahead of them, and I’m looking forward to get more out of Year Three than Year Two.”
The 2014 draft class compiled by general manager Reggie McKenzie also included defensive tackle Justin Ellis and guard Gabe Jackson, who have established themselves as key starters. Last season brought star rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper and promising defensive lineman Mario Edwards, whose status for the offseason program remains uncertain due to a neck injury.
Landing Cooper and pairing him with Michael Crabtree provided Carr with the downfield weapons he lacked as a rookie.
“Bottom line is that Derek is a good young player,” Del Rio said. “He exhibits a lot of leadership, he has a ton of arm talent.
“I feel like we’ve collected a few guys who can go get it, and with that we saw him hit a higher percentage of deep balls. That’s something that he has, arm talent. And he’s hungry for it. The great thing about Derek is he’s a really hard worker. It’s just a matter of time. It takes time, it takes experience.”
It’s clear Del Rio is excited about the potential for his young roster. The biggest uncertainty remains the long-term home of the franchise as owner Mark Davis continues to work with Alameda County while also vetting other potential locations. The Raiders will also “lose” a home game next season to travel to Mexico City for a regular-season game against the Houston Texans.
“It’s very similar to me as last year,” Del Rio said when asked about the uncertainty of where the Raiders will play long-term. “Obviously some things transpired, but the reality is Mark would prefer to be in Oakland. He’s maintained that. There are other things that need to be addressed from a business standpoint. I’m hopeful that it will be resolved.”
