The Oakland Raiders 2016 Offseason Workout Program wrapped up last week, so the players won't be in the team's facility again until they return from training camp in mid-August. However, a lot was still going on at 1220 Harbor Bay Parkway, so let's get you caught up on The Week That Was.
Raiders Ink Entirety Of 2016 Draft Class
The Oakland Raiders added seven players to the roster through the 2016 NFL Draft, and as of late last week, all seven are now under contract.
Linebacker Shilique Calhoun – the team's third-round draft pick – was the final member of the Raiders' draft class to put pen to paper, and in doing so, he ensured that there will be no lingering uncertainty about the attendance from the team's rookies as they open Training Camp 2016 next month.
Amari Cooper Coming Out Of His Shell In 2016
In 2015, wide receiver Amari Cooper lived up to the hype as a first-round draft choice, finishing the season with 72 catches for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns. He also became the youngest wide receiver – and second youngest player – in franchise history to catch a touchdown pass in the process.
By nearly every metric, it was an outstanding maiden campaign for Cooper, but if you wanted to look for something to take umbrage with – and you really have to look hard – it was that that Cooper wasn't necessarily the poster boy for being open and showing off his personality off the field.
However, heading into Year 2 in Silver and Black, the University of Alabama-product is coming out of his shell and becoming more vocal, and it's a difference that's certainly being noticed.
NFL Network Analyst Bucky Brooks Talks Silver And Black
As an analyst for NFL Network, former Raiders defensive back Bucky Brooks spends his days breaking down all 32 NFL teams, and heading into the 2016 season he and his colleagues have lofty expectations for the Silver and Black.
Earlier this week, Brooks – who spoke to the Raiders' rookies as part of the Rookie Transition Program – spent some time with Raiders.com and talked about his expectations for the Silver and Black headed into 2016.
Head Coach Del Rio Tops The List Of Coaches To Play In The NFL
Before Del Rio acquired a decade of head coaching experience, he was an NFL linebacker – and a pretty good one at that – appearing in 160 games, totaling 13 career sacks, and earning a Pro Bowl berth in the process. Throughout his 11-year career, the former University of Southern California Trojan proved to be a quality professional before trading in his cleats and shoulder pads for a coach's whistle.
Among the fraternity of NFL coaches, Del Rio is not alone in having experience as a player, but he might have the edge as being the best player of the group. In fact, ESPN.com recently ranked the playing careers of all 32 NFL head coaches, and the Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders earned the top spot.
Shilique Calhoun Gets Sirius
The Offseason Workout Program is over, but that doesn't mean that the Oakland Raiders aren't busy.
Wednesday evening, rookie linebacker Shilique Calhoun appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio with Howard Balzer and Gil Brandt, and during his time on the air he touched a variety of topics ranging from where he's lining up on the defensive front, to his relationship with rookie quarterback Connor Cook.
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