After a busy and noteworthy week, players from the Las Vegas Raiders are vying for spots on the roster as training camp heats up. With the goal of improving from last year’s performance, head coach Pete Carroll is energizing and motivating the team. Currently, there are no pads, but many of those pads will be cracking on July 31. Before that date, it will be crucial for players to excel in seven-on-sevens and one-on-ones. Additionally, just in case you missed it, Christian Wilkins has been released.
Jamal Adams was signed just before training camp and has been practicing with the linebackers. It was certainly an intriguing development, but you could argue that he fits with what Carroll is trying to implement—a player-coach at this point in his career.
It is crucial to understand that the starting lineups will change before the preseason starts. Nonetheless, the lineups on day one are significant.
The “Starters” on Day 1: Dont’e Thornton Jr. gets early praise
There are not many humans who stand at six foot five and run 4.3 forty-yard dashes. He has been receiving most of the first-team reps during training camp. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly believes he has been performing well.
“He has a great skillset for someone that tall and that fast,” Kelly said. “It is comforting to Geno [Smith].”
Nonetheless, Thornton Jr. is being placed in a position to be a focal point of this offense. After averaging 25.4 yards per reception in college, he will be the field stretcher for Las Vegas.
Thayer Munford Jr. missed Day 1 of Raiders training camp
For the purpose of maintaining unpredictability against opponents, injuries do not need to be disclosed. Thayer Munford Jr. missed the first day of training camp, but no details were reported. Additionally, the 2022 seventh-round draft pick is competing for a starting position on the offensive line. He needs to improve upon his 45.9 Pro Football Focus grade in 2024.
Right now, only the offensive guard positions are up for grabs. Last season, he primarily played as an offensive tackle. On the second day of training camp, the former Ohio State Buckeye was back on the practice field.
Can the 25-year-old offensive lineman win a starting job?
Who has been performing in the first two days?
Maxx Crosby has clearly been the standout player in practice. His relentless effort and tenacity have become a daily hallmark for this Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Tyree Wilson is also beginning to showcase his potential as a strong pass rusher. Meanwhile, the defensive backs have been actively making plays throughout practice.
Isaiah Pola-Mao and Trey Taylor both caught interceptions on Thursday. These were the first turnovers of training camp. Taylor also broke up a pass on day one. Additionally, Sam Webb broke up a short route on Wednesday and almost caught an interception.
Day one was an evenly matched practice, but the second day was won by the defense. On the first day, tight end Ian Thomas had the best highlight of the day with a one-handed touchdown snag.
Overall, the defensive line has emerged as the strongest position group during these practices. July 31 is set to be a crucial day for evaluating the potential of this roster. In terms of roster changes, a significant development occurred on Thursday, leaving the defensive tackle position relatively thin. Maybe you heard?
Fallout from Christian Wilkins’ release by the Raiders…
The fact is, there was considerable hope from Raider Nation as Wilkins recovered from his foot injury. A healthy Wilkins in the middle would have created numerous opportunities for Crosby and Malcolm Koonce. However, the Raiders did not wait for the depth chart to become unmanageable; they chose to claim defensive tackle Keondre Coburn off waivers from the Tennessee Titans.
We have claimed DT Keondre Coburn via waivers from the Titans. pic.twitter.com/zWJWddVPbE
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) July 25, 2025
Still, no one can replace Wilkins’ impact at this juncture with training camp in full swing. Wilkins and the Raiders will be back in the news, especially with the legal and ethical issues that will arise from this mess.
Related: QB2 Battle Brewing in Raiders Training Camp?
*Top Photo: Getty Images