Position battles to watch in Raiders training camp

Here are three key position battles to watch when training camp opens on July 23.

Quarterback

Projected starter: Aidan O'Connell

Player to watch: Gardner Minshew II

Second-year passer O'Connell and free-agent signee Minshew split first-team reps throughout OTAs and minicamp. During a recent appearance on ESPN's "SportsCenter," Jeremy Fowler said O'Connell has a "slight edge" over Minshew due in part to his close relationship with star wide receiver Davante Adams.

Minshew could still unseat second-year passer O'Connell if he develops better chemistry with Adams in training camp.

In five seasons with the Jaguars, Colts and Eagles, the 28-year-old bridge QB has completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 59 TDs, 24 interceptions and an above-average 90.2 passer rating. O'Connell, meanwhile, completed 62.1 percent of his passes for 12 TDs, seven picks and a below-average 83.9 passer rating in 11 games in 2023.

Regardless, don't be surprised if Vegas head coach Antonio Pierce waits until Week 1 to name a starter, as neither QB has separated themself.

Running back 

Projected starter: Zamir White

Player to watch: Alexander Mattison

White impressed last season when he replaced an injured Josh Jacobs (quadriceps), averaging 99.3 rushing yards per game and running for one TD in four starts. However, Pierce indicated he wants to see more from White, which is one reason the Raiders signed Mattison to a one-year, $2M deal this offseason.

"Just because (White has) got the job now, that doesn't mean it can't be taken," Pierce said at minicamp, via The Athletic's Vic Tafur. "Alexander Mattison is a really good football player, and that's how I'm going to keep going about our team. .. If you have a bad play, it's next-man-up mentality. So Zamir understands that — don't get comfortable. And I think he's done a really good job with that."

If White fizzles, Mattison would be a serviceable replacement. In 16 games with the Minnesota Vikings last season, he logged a career-high 700 rushing yards on 180 carries.

Tight end

Projected Starter: Brock Bowers

Player to watch: Michael Mayer

The Raiders may have doubts about Mayer after taking two-time national champion Bowers with the 13th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Mayer recently told the media he's not upset about the Raiders selecting the 2023 first-team All-American, and they'll both receive plenty of opportunities. He must improve quickly, though, or he could lose playing time. In 14 games in his rookie season, the former second-rounder had 27 receptions for 304 yards and two TD catches.

In three seasons at Georgia, Bowers won the John Mackey Award twice as the best TE in college football, meaning he likely has more upside than Mayer.