Training Camp Notebook 8/4: Rookie speedsters gaining momentum in all three phases

Aug 04, 2025 at 03:11 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

The Las Vegas Raiders returned back to the practice field Monday after a successful mock game at Allegiant Stadium this past weekend.

A few of the same players from the mock game continued to shine during the indoor practice. Here are some notes, quotes and observations from Day 10 of training camp practice.

Notes and Observations from Day 10 of practice

Offense

Geno Smith connected on two touchdown passes in Monday's practice. The first was to rookie Dont'e Thornton Jr. during red zone period, while the second was to Brock Bowers in team period. Both Thornton and Bowers also caught touchdowns from Smith in Saturday's mock game.
Throughout practice, the bulk of carries went to Raheem Mostert and Zamir White, who'll likely both see a decent snap count in Thursday's preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Raiders offensive line consisted of Jordan Meredith at center and Jackson Powers-Johnson at right guard on first-team. That's now been the case for at least three consecutive practices and could potentially stick going into the regular season.
Two of the more impressive catches in 1-on-1s came from rookie Jack Bech and veteran Alex Bachman. Both are in the mix to compete for a role at slot receiver behind Jakobi Meyers.

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Defense

Rookie Darien Porter nabbed an interception in 1-on-1 drills. Porter currently seems to be on the fast track to be a starting outside cornerback, competing with Eric Stokes and Decamerion Richardson.
While on the topic of cornerback, Stokes also got an interception. He smothered Bowers in coverage during red zone period, leaping up and picking off Geno Smith for the interception.
Chris Smith II has stepped up to the plate for an injured Lonnie Johnson Jr., who suffered a "significant" leg injury during the mock game, per Head Coach Pete Carroll. Chris Smith has shown growth with defensive stops in the mock game and Monday's practice as well.
Along with Smith, Jamal Adams continues to find himself in the equation for first-team reps. The safety turned linebacker was moved to multiple spots around the box in practice.

Special Teams

Tom McMahon made it known in training camp that any and all players would be considered fair game for special teams reps this season. He tried out rookies Ashton Jeanty and Thornton in kick return.
Tommy Mellott addressed the media after practice, speaking on switching from quarterback to receiver. He's spent a lot of time at kick and punt return duties since the start of training camp and had some returns in Saturday's mock game as well. He credited the training staff for exercises to increase his reactionary speed and peripheral vision.
"When I'm out there at practice, those reps are very, very valuable and I go out there and I give the greatest effort I possibly can and let that be a non-negotiable," Mellott said. "Make sure my attitude is where it needs to be and day after day make improvement."

Quote of the day

There's so many different details. It's like a dance. It's an art every single play. Tommy Mellott on adjusting to playing wide receiver

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Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) on the field for practice at 2025 Training Camp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.