Programming note: For comprehensive Raiders coverage from Napa, tune in to SportsNet Central tonight at 6, 10:30 and midnight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.
NAPA – The Raiders are pretty set at wide receiver. There will be some competition for the final spot, but those with track records seem to have the upper hand.
An undrafted guy like Seth Roberts is a long ways down the list. His play has put him in the conversation. The West Alabama alum catches virtually everything thrown his way and finds a way to sneak open against cornerbacks with experience.
Roberts had another solid day on Monday, and continues to impress in the passing game.
“I’m trying to get better and learn something new every day,” Roberts said. “It’s tough coming in, trying to learn and practice well at the same time. I’m giving this camp everything I’ve got.”
Even if Roberts shines in preseason games – the first one is Friday, at Minnesota – and continues to practice well, a 53-man roster spot may be hard to come by. He could be a candidate to continue development on the practice squad. Several established receivers have worked their way into the limelight after starting on the scout team.
Roberts knows undrafted free agents face an uphill battle to get noticed – draft picks get far more leeway to develop despite mistakes – but he doesn’t stress out about making mistakes.
“I don’t overthink things and tell myself that I have to be perfect all the time. The coaches will always get my best, and that’s what my focus is. The goal is to work hard and play well. Hopefully people take notice of that.”
Some other notes from Raiders camp:
-- Tight end David Ausberry missed Monday’s workout with a knee injury. Allen didn’t think it would cause a prolonged absence.
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-- Tight end Brian Leonhardt took some first-team reps as a blocking tight end, and had a tough time dealing with rookie linebacker Khalil Mack.
-- Quarterback Matt McGloin threw a perfect strike to tight end Mychal Rivera on a seam route. He easily bested safety Jonathan Dowling while reeling in a fastball deep downfield.
-- Running back Maurice Jones-Drew continues to fare well in inside rushing drills. He’s shown solid acceleration and burst after slicing through the line.
-- Receiver Andre Holmes had the catch of the day, reeling in a pass from Matt Schaub in the end zone. Perfect route, perfect pass and a nice catch. That duo is developing solid chemistry as training camp as progress.
Participation report:
Returned to practice: None
Did not practice: TE David Ausberry (knee), LB Sio Moore (ribs), LB Kaluka Maiava (hamstring), S Shelton Johnson (hamstring), LB Marshall McFadden (hip), CB Nieko Thorpe (undisclosed)
Physically unable to perform: DJ Hayden (foot), G Lucas Nix (knee), S Usama Young (quad)
