Takeaways from Raiders' nine training camp practices - ESPN

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders' training camp is in full swing. We've seen Kirk Cousins and Brock Bowers' connection be on point. The good and bad from top pick Fernando Mendoza. Maxx Crosby being the game wrecker that he normally is, despite undergoing offseason knee surgery. And a pair of Day 3 draft picks showing the potential of having meaningful roles in the fall.

But let's not jump to conclusions just yet. Coach Klint Kubiak said 90% of the roster has yet to solidify a role. And when offensive line coach Rick Dennison spoke to reporters last Tuesday, he said the team was still in the midst of its install phase.

At the same time, there have been plenty of notable performances, intriguing lineup combinations and position battles through two weeks of playing in the blazing Nevada heat. Here are nine takeaways from nine training camp practices:

There hadn't been any new developments in the starting quarterback race between Cousins and Mendoza until Saturday. Mendoza played with the starters for the first time in camp due to Cousins not participating during the 11-on-11 period after violating team rules after scuffling with Crosby.

Despite Mendoza having an overall solid day with the first team, Cousins still has a strong edge in the race to be QB1. He has played solely with the starters, as expected, and has looked better than Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell. Cousins has been efficient and has rarely put the ball in harm's way. On top of that, the players have brought Cousins in as one of the leaders on the team.

«I really appreciate my time working with him. [He's] making me better,» wide receiver Tre Tucker said of the 15-year veteran. «Very bright IQ. That was a great addition for us to add him because it's