Training Camp Notebook 7/25: Defense gets active in Friday's practice

Jul 25, 2025 at 02:26 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

Here are some top notes and quotes from a productive day of Raiders training camp.

Notes and Observations from Day 3 of practice

Offense

The tight end room performed at a high level Friday morning. All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers moved around all over the field, not only creating mismatches against the defense, but opening up the field for other playmakers. Michael Mayer, Ian Thomas and rookie UDFA Carter Runyon all caught a touchdown in red zone drills as well.
Also during red zone drills, Geno Smith found Tre Tucker in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. Tucker has remained a top target for the Raiders quarterback since OTAs.
A glimpse of the Ashton Jeanty that electrified the college football landscape appeared. Smith found the rookie running back on a screen, as Jeanty then dipped and dodged past defenders in open space. While pads aren't on yet, I think at least five defenders would've missed a tackle on this particular play.
"He was picked sixth overall for a reason," tackle DJ Glaze said of Jeanty. "We haven't been in the pads but I believe he's going to be able to do great things when we do get pads. I'm excited to see him. When he hots the hole, he goes. It's just been exciting to go out there and try and create space for him."
Aidan O'Connell continued to build upon what's been an impressive training camp. He's looked poised in the pocket and accurate with the football. His quick release has always been a strength of his since being drafted in 2023, and it's becoming sharper heading into his third season.
"Aidan, who's got experience, he's not a rookie. In his first two days, he's been really really sharp," offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said Thursday.

Related Links

Silver & Black sunrise 🌅#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/1g2qUzdJzl
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) July 25, 2025

Defense

The defense was hard to deal with throughout practice, starting with the pressure upfront created by Maxx Crosby. With persistence, he got after Smith all day, making the quarterback uncomfortable on many of his throws and even picking up a few would've been sacks.
The Raiders released Christian Wilkins on Thursday and are using the next man up mentality to make an impact with Adam Butler, Tyree Wilson and second-year standout Jonah Laulu.
"This place is about competition. It always has been and it's wide open," Pete Carroll said of the defensive line. "I don't need to talk about any names right now, I think the fact is if you watch the rotations, we're giving everybody a chance. Mixing guys with the one's and two's all the way throughout just to gather a bunch of information."
The Silver and Black defense came away with a pick-six thanks to Lonnie Johnson Jr. In similar fashion to Isaiah Pola-Mao's interception Thursday, Johnson stepped down into his zone and perfectly jumped out in front of Brock Bowers on an out route.
Carroll talked about Jamal Adams for the first time since the team signed him Tuesday. Adams played for Carroll for four seasons in Seattle to the tune of 9.5 sacks and 11 pass deflections. The expectation is to move Adams over to WILL linebacker and use him in certain defensive packages.
"I told him right off the bat, I wanted him to play inside," Carroll said. "He's always been so instinctive, and so aggressive and such a run-through guy. Been a fantastic blitzer over his time and I want to put him in a position to do that."

Special Teams

Tommy Mellott continued to take the lead on kick and punt return for a second straight practice during special teams period. Also worth noting that he was one of the last guys to leave the field after Friday's practice, staying behind with Jack Bech to work on the jugs machine.

Quote of the day

I was taught a long time ago that you either have a philosophy or you don't. And we have one. Pete Carroll

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.

1 / 122

Las Vegas Raiders signage before practice at 2025 Training Camp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.