Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Holton, Brent showing well entering final Raiders showcase
Share This Post
Comments
Wednesday, August 31, 2016 - 12:30pm
Follow @BairCSN

Johnny Holton got lost in the Raiders playbook early in the offseason program. The undrafted rookie receiver was focused more on plays and less on playing early on, and it had an impact on practice performance.

The Cincinnati alum recognized the issue right away, and made sure it didn’t make a lasting impact.

“During the spring I wasn’t that comfortable with the playbook and was around new teammates,” Holton said Tuesday. “I really worked during the offseason program and over the break to get the plays and routes down so I could apply them in camp and just worry about playing football. After that, it has been about taking coaching and fixing things every day. If you do that, you can be confident and play fast.”

Holton quickly became a fan favorite in training camp, making flash plays in Napa and, more recently, in preseason games. His effort and skill hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“I told Johnny when we hit training camp, I said, ‘You are the most improved player this whole offseason,’” starting quarterback Derek Carr said. “I have never seen someone jump that much since Seth, since I saw Seth (Roberts) make that jump.

[BAIR: Raiders roster projection 2.0: Trawick makes the squad]

“I’m very happy for Johnny, he’s a great guy, he has a very quiet, humble spirit about him which is cool. But then he goes out there and runs a 4.2 (40-yard dash) past everybody, you know? So, it’s fun for me to see, but at the same time, I’m rooting for him because I want him to be able to help this football team.”

Holton has a real chance to help the team during the regular season. He’s considered the frontrunner for the No. 5 receiver spot –- it seems extremely likely, though ultimately uncertain, the Raiders will carry a fifth wideout -- following a strong camp and a solid showing in Saturday’s exhibition, when he had three catches for 54 yards and a 23-yard kickoff return.

Holton wants to finish the preseason with another strong outing on Thursday against the Seattle Seahawks.

The same can be said for undrafted rookie K.J. Brent, Holton’s chief competition for a receiver spot. Brent hasn’t been quite as dynamic but plays smooth and has improved throughout camp. He had his best game Saturday, equaling Holton with three receptions for 54 yards.

While Holton had to change minds, Brent made a solid first impression as a route runner and someone who can make plays in the air.

“His route-running ability was really good,” Carr said. “Coming in as an undrafted guy, you never know what the story was. He shows up and runs his first route and I thought, ‘How did that guy go undrafted? At least not get picked up late!’ You see the route running, he’s really good with the ball in the air. …He’s fighting for a spot. I think he’s doing a great job. It’ll be interesting to see how this final game goes.”

At 6-foot-4, Brent is four inches taller and a few years younger than Holton, which might be attractive. Holton, however, is quick and can be electric after the catch. 

Performance will be key heading into Thursday’s game, but it’s hard to see the Raiders parting ways with one player if the other makes the roster. A practice squad spot might be a consolation prize that keeps the other player in the mix.

While receiver has been the focus of this story, the Raiders have several undrafted free agents with a real shot at the roster. That includes edge rusher James Cowser and defensive lineman Daruis Latham.

Head coach Jack Del Rio was asked about Holton’s emergence specifically last week, but part of his answer could apply to all undrafted free agents entering the final phase of their months-long tryout.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, how you got here, you get an opportunity,” Del Rio said. “Certainly here with the Raiders, we welcome competition. We give legitimate opportunities for some of these undrafted guys to come in and make our team if they win a spot, so (it’s) great to see that.”

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

MLB's No. 1 prospect Moncada admits being 'surprised' Red Sox called him up
MLB's No. 1 prospect Moncada: 'That's what you come to this country for'
1-on-1 with Libby Schaaf: Raiders relocation, Part II
1-on-1 with Libby Schaaf: Raiders relocation, Part I

Giants

Eight years after cancer remission, Rizzo keeps perspective
Rewind: Frustrated Giants again manage just three hits
Instant Replay: Giants end no-hit bid, but still fall short
Giants lineup: Belt out, Posey plays first base
Read More

Athletics

Triggs leaves start vs Red Sox after one inning with injury
LIVE: Red Sox vs A's
Notes: Mengden to start Saturday; Doolittle's velocity returns
A's lineup: Semien leading off to start series with Red Sox
Read More

Sharks

Sharks 2016-17 Preview: Keep an eye on Joonas Donskoi
Sharks' Dillon likely to have a new partner again
DeMelo gives Sharks organizational depth on defense
Sharks open training camp on September 23
Read More

49ers

49ers' 2016 scout tracker: Eyes on top NCAA talent
Report: Santa Clara police union issues letter to 49ers on Kap
49ers now with worst Super Bowl odds after 2016 preseason
Analysis: All signs point to Kaepernick making 53-man roster
Read More

Raiders

Raiders' 2016 scout tracker: Evaluating next-level players
Odds: Raiders not seen as favorites in AFC West
Raiders snap count: Draft class gets workout in finale
Top 5 takeaways from Raiders' preseason loss to Seahawks
Read More

Warriors

Don't expect Kerr, Warriors to give 'Death Lineup' bigger minutes
Ibaka: 'Still not over' Conference Finals collapse vs Warriors
Myers: Warriors will have 'turbulence,' losses 'exaggerated'
Rookie survey results: Kevin Durant favorite player in NBA
Read More

NCAA

CCSF Rams begin title-defense season against Laney College
Ex-Stanford swimmer, rapist released after serving half his term
Pac-12 Preview: Where will Cal, Stanford end up?
Harbaugh yet to name starting QB for No. 7 Michigan's opener
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Eight years after cancer remission, Rizzo keeps perspective
(1)
CSNChicago.com

GIANTS VIDEO

Hunter Pence's high praise for Jon Lester
Hunter Pence's high praise for Jon Lester
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Rewind: Frustrated Giants again manage just three hits
  • Instant Replay: Giants end no-hit bid, but still fall short
  • Giants notes: Cain comes off DL; Brown (sick) will start
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Triggs leaves start vs Red Sox after one inning with injury
Joe Stiglich

A's VIDEO

MLB's No. 1 prospect Moncada admits being 'surprised' Red Sox called him up
MLB's No. 1 prospect Moncada admits being 'surprised' Red Sox called him up
See more >

A's INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Sharks 2016-17 Preview: Keep an eye on Joonas Donskoi
(2)
Rotoworld.com

SHARKS VIDEO

Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Don't expect Kerr, Warriors to give 'Death Lineup' bigger minutes
(7)
Monte Poole

WARRIORS VIDEO

1-on-1 with Libby Schaaf: Oakland's communication with Warriors
1-on-1 with Libby Schaaf: Oakland's communication with Warriors
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • Don't expect Kerr, Warriors to give 'Death Lineup' bigger minutes
  • Adams: Warriors 'will expect a lot' from Durant on defense
  • Kaepernick won't be last athlete to take stand against injustices
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

Kings' Collison accepts plea deal in domestic violence case
(2)
James Ham

Kings Video

Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

49ers' 2016 scout tracker: Eyes on top NCAA talent
(1)
CSN Bay Area staff

49ers VIDEO

Maiocco provides insight into 49ers' mindset regarding Kaepernick
Maiocco provides insight into 49ers' mindset regarding Kaepernick
See more >

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Raiders' 2016 scout tracker: Evaluating next-level players
(1)
CSN Bay Area staff

RAIDERS VIDEO

1-on-1 with Libby Schaaf: Raiders relocation, Part II
1-on-1 with Libby Schaaf: Raiders relocation, Part II
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Raiders snap count: Draft class gets workout in finale
  • Top 5 takeaways from Raiders' preseason loss to Seahawks
  • Latham among undrafted rookies with shot to make Raiders roster
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Quakes fire GM after nine years: 'Style of play got kind of boring'
(1)
Julio Lara

More Stories

Earthquakes part ways with general manager John Doyle
(1)
Playoffs hopes fading away for Earthquakes after loss to Crew
(3)
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

Triggs leaves start vs Red Sox after one inning with injury
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Rewind: Frustrated Giants again manage just three hits
(35)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Analysis: All signs point to Kaepernick making 53-man roster
(102)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders snap count: Draft class gets workout in finale
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Don't expect Kerr, Warriors to give 'Death Lineup' bigger minutes
(7)
See more >

JAMES HAM

Kings' Collison accepts plea deal in domestic violence case
(2)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks' Dillon likely to have a new partner again
(7)
See more >

RAY RATTO

Takeaway from Kaepernick situation: Right now, we suck

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

FOLLOW US!

Follow us on Twitter @CSNAuthentic.

SAY HEY TUESDAY

s

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

MLB's No. 1 prospect Moncada admits being 'surprised' Red Sox called him up
MLB's No. 1 prospect Moncada admits being 'surprised' Red Sox called him up
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California