FanPost

"7-on-7 With a Cornocopia of Players"

      It was already reported that the Raiders were holding player organized drills, organized by Richard Seymour and Jason Campbell. Now it has become official that Raiders have been heavily involved in the organized  7 on 7 drill involving players from different teams as well. 

Steve Wyche on NFL.com  has reported that at a local high school approximately 50 players have gotten together for 7 on 7 workouts. It is part of a 3-day mini-camp organized by Competitive Edge Sports founder Chip Smith, who is based in Atlanta, and trainer Tom Shaw, who works at Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. About 30 of these players were Raiders and the other 20 or so were from different teams including one interesting free agent to be by the name of Ike Taylor. It is believed to be the first player organized activity involving players from multiple teams. It also included one of everybody's favorite former Raiders Javon Walker. Its nice to see that he still is working out, despite the fact that hardly an NFL team will be interested in his services. At least the guy is trying! He certainly has enough money (of ours) to not NEED the job, so its definitely from still having a love of the game. Hit the jump....

 

       I think it is kind of interesting to see other players from around the league coming to work with us. I like that and I think it shows a greater respect from around the league for our players. In days not too far in our past I don't believe any Raider could have convinced other players to join them for workouts. I think the response probably would have been something along the lines of "HA that is a good one" or "Don't even call me again I don't want any part of your curse!!". Ike Taylor certainly would have had other options for places to go and work out. He is a well respected veteran, and also somebody that I would be very interested in seeing the Raiders pursue if we lose Nnamdi to another team. I am a firm believer on veterans with super bowl rings being a valuable commodity to any team.

       One thing is for sure here: The Raiders are definitely on the come up people! I'd rather they be working out with Hue Jackson but putting this much energy into insuring being at least minimally prepared for the lockout to end and real football to begin is definitely a good thing! Thank god we got the best first round pick out of this year's draft in Richard Seymour. Imagine where we would be without having made that trade! I am a born optimist so maybe we would have still been OK, but I am thrilled not to have had to learn that the hard way!