NAPA – Dewey and Dexter McDonald are professional defensive backs. They both play for the Raiders.
Outside that, there is no direct connection. They share a last name, but there is no relation.
Dexter’s a cornerback. Dewey’s a strong safety. Both guys have made flash plays in Raiders training camp, including Tuesday morning’s padded session.
“I think the McDonald boys, both of them, Dexter and Dewey -- no relation -- have both had a nice camp,” Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio said. “They’ve taken advantage of the time in the offseason, they’ve made improvement and they’re pushing for a spot. They’re right in the mix in the competition in the back end and doing a nice job for us.”
If solid play continues throughout the preseason, two jersey nameplates are going to have to get real specific.
Dewey McDonald seems like a lock. He has been the second-team strong safety throughout camp, getting first-unit work when Karl Joseph rests a recently repaired knee.
Dexter McDonald, the last of three 2015 seventh-round draft picks, is pushing for a roster spot by making solid plays on the ball. The Kansas alum is a physical corner the Raiders prefer, and could be the fifth cornerback on the roster with a heavy special teams emphasis.
Howie Long in town: Raiders coach Jack Del Rio invited Raiders legend Howie Long to speak to his team on Tuesday evening. The Hall-of-Fame defensive end will address a team with high expectations, especially with play along the front.
"I look forward to him coming in here and just talking about, you know, one of the reasons we invited him, it’s about the big guys in the trenches,” Del Rio said after practice, before Long’s talk. “It’s about what we get done in the trenches and I want him to speak to that, some of those topics. So, we’ll look forward to hearing from him tonight.”
Edwards still limited: Defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. was limited for a second straight practice with a sore hand hurt in a fight with Kelechi Osemele last week. He was active for individual drills but sidelined during team activity.
Denico Autry, who recently returned to team drills, and Stacy McGee played in Edwards Jr.’s spot.
Catch of the day: Amari Cooper continued a stellar practice run with another highlight-worthy catch. He got a step on CB Sean Smith, elevated high and snagged a well-lofted pass from Derek Carr for a long gain.
Other notes from Raiders practice:
-- CB David Amerson has been a stingy cover man during camp, but Michael Crabtree got him on a deep touchdown catch during an 11-on-11 session. Amerson responded well, intercepting Derek Carr in the end zone on a pass that sailed over Clive Walford’s head.
-- WR Seth Roberts was back fielding kickoffs during special teams work, joining Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington and Johnny Holton as return options. Taiwan Jones is also in the group. Roberts had two kickoff returns in 2015.
-- Sixth-round rookie LB Cory James intercepted QB Matt McGloin on Tuesday, adding to the high volume of picks thrown by the backup quarterback this camp.
Daily transactions: None
Returned to practice: None
Did not practice: S Jimmy Hall, LB Neiron Ball
Next practice: The Raiders will practice in pads on Wednesday morning, the final practice session in Napa before playing the Arizona Cardinals in a Friday exhibition at University of Phoenix Stadium.
