Written by Kevin Patra at NFL.com
Connor Cook’s plummet to the fourth round of the NFL draft might have cost the quarterback a shot at a starting gig in 2016, but the rookie passer is in position to bounce Matt McGloin for the backup gig toDerek Carr in Oakland.
Raiders coach Jack Del Rio hummed praises about Cook’s play in this weekend’s rookie minicamp.
“I think he’s been outstanding,” Del Rio said, via the San Francisco Chronicle. “He comes in, had a tremendous career and is very humble. Obviously he is intelligent. He asks good questions. He’s got arm talent. It’s a matter of getting familiar (with) what we do and how we do it …
“I think he’s off to a great start.”
Cook wasn’t satisfied with his play early in the weekend sessions, pointing to several flubs and the difficulty getting on page with receivers in a new scheme.
McGloin hung onto the clipboard holder role in Oakland last year, but Cook should be given every chance this preseason to wrangle the backup gig.
A solid start in rookie camp is the first step.
Some other nuggets from rookie camps around the NFL:
» Raiders second-round defensive tackle Jihad Ward participated in workouts after a report circled during the draft stating the lineman might need arthroscopic surgery.
“Don’t trust all those reports out there,” Del Rio said. “We felt pretty good about our reports. He looked terrific. He’s very athletic. He’s a serious guy and intelligent guy. We’re excited about him.”
» While Ward was on the field, first-round safety Karl Joseph didn’t practice as he continues to rehab from a knee injury. Joseph should be on the field by training camp.
» The Carolina Panthers are content to roll into the summer with youth at corner. The team drafted three rookie defensive backs in the 2016 NFL Draft. Ron Rivera said he doesn’t expect the Panthers to sign a veteran corner, at least for now.
“I guess if we did do something it would be later on. But right now we’re set,” Rivera said Saturday, via the Charlotte Observer. “We’re very happy with what we’ve seen the last two practices with the young guys.”
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