One of the storylines heading into the Las Vegas Raiders training camp will be how quickly Davante Adams and Jimmy Garoppolo develop chemistry. Head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler are betting this duo works in 2023. Meanwhile, rookie Tyree Wilson lands on the Non-Football Injury list—not the start fans were hoping for, but not shocking either.
Another bet that Ziegler made this offseason was Wilson’s selection in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old injured his foot at Texas Tech, but that didn’t stop the Raiders from drafting him. There’s no doubt that Raider Nation anxiously awaits the news that he’s good to go (hopefully soon).
Davante Adams “Excited” About Working with Jimmy Garoppolo
"If we really want to have a shot at a Super Bowl…we are gonna need that guy."@tae15adams is hopeful everything works out soon with teammate @iAM_JoshJacobs ? pic.twitter.com/VUmzw48e2P
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) July 21, 2023
The Raiders decided this offseason to part ways with franchise quarterback Derek Carr. Las Vegas then brought in Garoppolo, who has worked with McDaniels during their time with the New England Patriots.
However, Garoppolo is coming off offseason foot surgery, so the veteran quarterback has yet to find a connection with the receiving corp. Adams joined “NFL Total Access” on Friday, and one of the questions the veteran wide receiver answered was about Garoppolo.
“Well, I’m excited, man,” Adams said. “I’m optimistic. Obviously, getting him out there healthy is our main thing so that we can start working toward a common goal and getting on the same page. Those reps and that time together are really what takes you to the next level. So, we obviously need as much camp as possible to make sure we can kind of learn from each other and then get out there and hopefully make some noise.”
These two players are veterans, so having that NFL experience might cut some of the learning curve. Both need to get a feel for each other and their timing down, but it seems they’ll have the right mindset.
Adams produced despite having the up-and-down situation under center during the 2022 season. If Garoppolo can find his past form, it should be another All-Pro season for the 30-year-old.
Tyree Wilson placed on NFI list heading into training camp…
Wilson continues to return from foot surgery and the latest update shows where the edge rusher will begin in training camp. The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore reported on Friday that the rookie will start training camp on the NFI list.
Bonsignore adds that Wilson is coming off the foot injury he suffered last year with Texas Tech, and that designation was expected for him. Furthermore, with Wilson going on the NFI list, it allows the defensive lineman to have time to ramp up before getting the full green light.
The Raiders have to handle Wilson with kid gloves as the Silver and Black drafted him to improve their pass rush. Las Vegas’ ability to get to the quarterback was nonexistent last season outside of Maxx Crosby. As a result, having Wilson healthy is vital for the 2023 season.
Many outside the franchise are high on Wilson and see him as a candidate to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. If Wilson can be 100 percent, he could form a fearsome duo with the 25-year-old and take advantage of the matches.
*Top Photo: NFL Total Access
