Oakland Raiders: Biggest takeaways from Week 1 of OTAs

Arden Key’s Summer of Growth

Typically, players go through significant growth between their rookie and sophomore terms. Sometimes, it’s mental, with a better understanding of the game and the team’s playbook. In other instances, it’s physical, bulking up to handle bigger, stronger professional athletes.

Last year, the Raiders had to toss Key into the fray once the front office dealt Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears, and Bruce Irvin‘s play dramatically dipped, which led to his release. The LSU product should have a firm grasp of what’s expected of him going into the 2019 term.

Apparently, the Raiders want to see Key bulk up. Gruden spoke in specifics about the defensive end’s weight, per NBC Bay Area:

"“You know, Arden is — all our second-year players I think have been impressive, the way they have worked. We’d like to see Arden, you know, be 260 pounds someday, 257 pounds someday. He’s working toward that … He’s got to be stronger to be more complete and I think it’s going to take a little time. But he is working at it and I got a lot of respect for that.”"

Oakland selected Key in the third round, and he listed 238 pounds during his rookie campaign. According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, he doesn’t look much bigger, which didn’t go over well with team brass.

“But Key doesn’t look bigger and I heard the staff was not pleased,” Tafur wrote. “We’ll see. Guenther said Key was lifting weights now, so I am sure we will get some more clarity this offseason”

Key’s first year was marked with missed opportunities. New defensive line coach Brentson Buckner talked about those would’ve, could’ve should’ve moments with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Scott Bair.

“We joked with him about this today,” Buckner said. “He arguably missed 13 sacks. When I say missed, it was him and the quarterback and he either missed the tackle or slipped.”

Based on comments from Gruden, Tafur’s source and Buckner, Key has a lot of room to grow. None of those perspectives doubt his ability, but if he wants to improve, it’s going to take a concerted effort that starts off the field.

If Key isn’t up to par on his strength and weight goals at training camp, Benson Mayowa and rookie fourth-rounder Maxx Crosby could see a majority of the snaps opposite Ferrell at defensive end.