All nine of the Oakland Raiders 2018 NFL Draft were in attendance Friday for Day One of Rookie Minicamp. It was an exciting day for the rookies, as they suited up in the Silver and Black for the first time, and participated in a series of drills with members of the Raiders coaching staff. Once practice concluded, several members of the draft class took the podium to speak about their first day of practice.
Defensive Tackle P.J. Hall:
The former Sam Houston State Bearkat talked about working with fellow rookie Maurice Hurst on the defensive line.
"It's pretty exciting. I'm ready to get to work. We knew we were going to be challenged with our pass rush out here, so just trying to give them what they need and help the team, doing whatever we can do. Pass rush, stopping the run, just ready to get to work."
**Hall got to meet linebacker Bruce Irvin Friday, and he shared what the two discussed.
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"He said it will help him out a lot, he and all the edge rushers. Being able for them to have that pressure down the middle will help them play better and actually help us also. There's two great guys rushing on the outside."
Defensive Tackle Maurice Hurst:
Hurst expressed what it means to don the Silver and Black.
"I mean it's exciting. Spending five years at Michigan, I've never really put on another helmet, but getting to be a part of a team with so much tradition sort of like the Wolverines, it's great. Just to think about the players that played before you and get to represent them, represent the greats that have made this place what it is."
He's overjoyed to get to work with fellow pass rushers Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin.
"Those are two of the best guys in the NFL. To get to play with them and help them be more productive – that's our goal – to try and help those guys out and just be a team player and try to make the most of this D-line."
Defensive End Arden Key:
Like the other rookies, Key is anxious to get started.
"It feels great. It feels great to be back on the field, back around my teammates and things of that sort. Just being around football, it feels good to be back."
He took a moment to praise his new teammates Hall and Hurst.
"Great guys. Great guys. Good on the film, they have great film. One went to Michigan. You have P.J., he went to a small school, but you can see the talent that he has and the potential that he has."
**Offensive Tackle Kolton Miller:
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The former UCLA Bruin shared what it's been like with his new head coach and offensive line coach so far.
"It's good. I think they're [Jon Gruden and Tom Cable] a really good matchup together. They're both really fiery and intense, and I like that. Practices are really productive."
Miller is ready to take notes from some Pro Bowlers on the Raiders offensive line.
"I just look to learn as much as I can from these guys. Like I said, be a sponge. I met K.O. [Kelechi Osemele] briefly, and he seems like an awesome guy. I'm ready to learn a lot from them."
Offensive Tackle Brandon Parker:
Parker is willing to do whatever the team needs in order to win.
"I'm willing to play wherever they put me, it's as simple as that. As you know, I played left my whole career, but it's not an issue to go to right [tackle] at all."
