NFL Notes: Breakout Players, Chargers, Raiders

Breakout Players

Lance Zierlein of NFL Media takes a look at five 2017 first-round draft picks he believes could have breakout seasons this year including:

• 49ers DL Solomon Thomas
• Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
• Eagles DE Derek Barnett
• Raiders CB Gareon Conley
• Browns TE David Njoku

Chargers

Chargers DC Gus Bradley said that first-round S Derwin James worked with the second-unit in this week’s practice in order to learn the defensive scheme at a slower pace.

“He’s just learning right now,” Bradley said, via Eric D. Williams of ESPN. “Quite a bit of the package is in, and we just want to bring him along and see where he’s at.”

As for second-year S Rayshawn Jenkins, Bradley mentioned that the team is giving him a “strong look” at free safety.

“We’re gonna take a strong look at that,” Bradley said. “We saw him play mostly strong [safety] last year. But during some practice reps, he played some free safety.”

Raiders

Raiders WR Amari Cooper said he was honored by HC Jon Gruden‘s recent remarks that the receiver will be the “focal point” of the offense.

“It was cool,” said Cooper, via Eddie Paskal of the Raiders’ official site. “Obviously as a receiver, you want to go out there and make plays for your team and win. So for him to say that, it really meant a lot to me. I’m just ready to come out here and work and prove that I deserve to have those opportunities.”

Cooper went on to say that he has been learning a lot from veteran WR Jordy Nelson since he was signed by the Raiders.

“It’s been really cool,” Cooper said. “Been learning a lot from Jordy, obviously with him being in the league for such a long time. He knows a lot and he’s always sharing his wisdom in the receiver room. It’s been cool being around Marty as well.”