Training Camp Notebook 7/24: Jakobi Meyers comes alive in passing game

Jul 24, 2025 at 02:06 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

Day 2 of training camp was packed with Raider Nation, as it was the first practice open to the general public.

While the team is still in the acclimation period, the intensity is slowly rising. Opportunities arose for the whole roster to get on the field, with no one being left out from contributing. Here are a few notes and quotes from Thursday morning.

Notes and Observations from Day 2 of practice

Offense

Jakobi Meyers stole the show by routinely making contested catches throughout practice. A few of his catches were honestly perfect placement from Geno Smith, but creating separation wasn't an issue for Meyers either.
"I think I'm just really balanced, honestly," Meyers said on Day 1 of camp. "Like, I don't do anything exceptionally great, but I do everything decently. So, you've got to kind of just play for everything and that's hard to do as a DB I feel like."
Another key observation is where No. 16 lined up. With the Raiders adding rookie 6-foot-5 wideout Dont'e Thornton Jr., Chip Kelly is getting comfortable using Meyers more in the slot, which is where he mostly lined up during his tenure with the New England Patriots.

Sincere McCormick took the bulk of second-team reps Thursday. While veterans Raheem Mostert and Zamir White have a larger sample size as starting NFL running backs, it seems Pete Carroll and his staff has been high on McCormick since OTAs. Before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons, he averaged 5.7 yards in carry in 2024.
The Raiders offensive line cycled through a few different combinations, not only to throw the defense off but likely to evaluate depth. Jordan Meredith, who started eight games as a guard last season, saw some reps at center. Swing tackle Thayer Munford Jr. also saw a few snaps at guard.
"To have versatility, I think that's a real big deal," offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said. "Jordan can play both center and guard, JPJ [Jackson Powers-Johnson] can play both center and guard. Thayer's played guard, can play tackle. ... I think bringing in Alex Cappa was a great maneuver because that really adds a veteran that's played multiple positions. So, we're going to try and sort that out."

Defense

Safety Jamal Adams got a fair share of reps out the gate. He shuffled in with a first-team unit consisting of Jeremy Chinn, Isaiah Pola-Mao and Lonnie Johnson Jr. The defense used Adams in a role he's succeeded in throughout his career, lining up in the box alongside the linebackers.
"Another leadership guy in the room, but at the same time if you've watched Jamal Adams you know it'll be second nature for him to walk down in the box and be a backer for us," Elandon Roberts said after practice. "He can be a safety, he can come down and be in the run defense, he's a great blitzer and stuff like that. He's an instinctual guy, stuff you can't teach."
The linebacking corps also shuffled around throughout practice. It's plausible to envision Patrick Graham mixing in some 4-3 packages with three linebackers.
The defense capitalized on two turnovers. The first was from Isaiah Pola-Mao coming down in his zone to make a play. The second came off Trey Taylor being in the perfect place to pick off a bobbled catch.
Similar to the offensive line, the defensive line mixed in a few different rotations. Maxx Crosby had a dominant showing during team period, with Malcolm Koonce and Tyree Wilson seeing reps on the other side with the first-team. The interior line rotation consisted of Adam Butler, Jonah Laulu, Zach Carter and rookie JJ Pegues.

Special Teams

During special teams period, Tommy Mellott took the majority of kick return reps. The quarterback turned receiver impressed the Raiders with his athleticism and versatility in the draft process, and it's clear they're trying to get the most out of him wherever they can.
Tre Tuckeralso shared some kick and punt returns. The third-year receiver averaged nine yards per punt return in 2024.

Quote of the day

This isn't Love Island. We're not mad at each other. We're out there just trying to have fun and we're just trying to work hard and get better. We're all trying to help each other. I don't have to give a rose to somebody at the end of the day, so I'm good. Jackson Powers-Johnson

Click here for tickets to attend a Raiders practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Tickets are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) walks out on to the field for practice at 2025 Training Camp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.