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5 young players to watch at Raiders’ minicamp

This camp is important for several player’s development including Isaiah Johnson, John Simpson and Amik Robertson

NFL: SEP 27 Raiders at Patriots
John Simpson
Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Las Vegas Raiders are starting their mandatory minicamp right now.

On Monday, we looked at six major keys to watch for during the three-day camp in Henderson, Nevada. Now as the camp starts, let’s look at five young players who need to show something special in the camp.

Miami Dolphins v Las Vegas Raiders
Isaiah Johnson
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Isaiah Johnson:
The 2019 fourth-round pick was reportedly not at the OTA sessions. This camp is mandatory. The Raiders have loaded up at cornerback by signing Casey Hayward, Rasul Douglas and Blidi Wreh-Wilson, and drafting Nate Hobbs. Johnson could barely get on the field last season

and it will be tougher this season. He needs to shine.

UPDATE: Johnson is not on the field Tuesday, but the Las Vegas Review Journal reported he has been in the building, so his absence may be injury related.

Tanner Muse:
The 2020 third-round pick struggled in training camp last year as he transitioned from college safety to NFL linebacker. Then he was on the injured reserve all season. However, Muse has been working hard since so let’s see if there is marked improvement from him as he tries to be a special teams stalwart this season.

Oakland Raiders v Seattle Seahawks
Brandon Parker
Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Brandon Parker:
The 2018 third-round pick could have a hard time making the 53-man roster as he’s starting to get buried on the depth chart. Parker must perform well starting this week until the Aug. 31 cut-down date to make the roster and remain a Raider.

Amik Robertson:
The 2020 fourth-round pick is facing somewhat of the same issue as Johnson is in the Raiders’ crowded cornerback room. Robertson, who played just 35 defensive snaps as a rookie, may get a chance to play outside cornerback as well as the slot. Either way, he must show fast improvement.

John Simpson:
Simpson, a fourth-round pick last year, has less pressure on him than the other four players on this list. The plan when he was drafted was for Simpson to be able to start this year. At the moment, he is behind Denzelle Good at right guard. But Simpson can win a starting job for 2021 if he earns it. It will be interesting to see how he looks heading into his second season.