Las Vegas Raiders: 5 Players impressing the most at training camp
4. Javin White, LB
By signing former UNLV linebacker/safety Javin White as an undrafted free agent after the draft, the Las Vegas Raiders kept the versatile defender in his hometown. Subsequently, there were always going to be some narrative focus placed on the rookie.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Having said that, that narrative has switched from “hometown kid getting a chance” to “White consistently making plays and earning a roster spot”.
Look anywhere reporting about Raiders camp and you’ll consistently see White’s name popping up. He’s impressed when dropping into coverage, coming up with multiple interceptions throughout practice. But he’s also shown a willingness to come down and be physical when asked.
The Raiders aggressively improved the linebacker spot, particularly at inside linebacker, this offseason as they signed Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski. Depth at the position, however, remains a real issue for this team. Subsequently, having a player like White come into training camp and perform at the level he has as an undrafted rookie is a welcome sight.
It’s unfortunate for White that he doesn’t have any preseason games to get onto the field and continue to prove himself. But as Gruden and the Raiders coaching staff are forced to make their cut decisions based on camp practices, it’s going to be hard to let a player performing at the level White has go.