QB Connor Cook praised at Raiders’ rookie camp

QB Connor Cook praised at Raiders’ rookie camp

The Raiders expect rookie quarterback Connor Cook to push Matt McGloin for the backup quarterback job, and though Cook wasn’t particularly sharp at rookie camp Friday, coach Jack Del Rio was pleased.

Humble is not something a coach usually throws out there about a rookie after practice, but there were reports that personality issues pushed the Michigan State quarterback down to the fourth round and to the surprised Raiders.

Third-round pick Shilique Calhoun was a teammate of Cook’s at Michigan State, and the defensive end also said nice things.

Cook admitted he was off at times Friday, and part of that is lining up with players he had just met and running plays he had just seen for the first time.

Another play that I just wasn’t familiar with, with the footwork, I took a three-step (drop) instead of a five-step, was waiting on my guy to be open and ended up sailing it. …

There were 50 players on hand, with the seven draft picks joined by undrafted free agents and roughly 20 players who were trying out.

First-round pick Karl Joseph did not practice as he continues rehabbing a knee injury and is targeting training camp for his debut.

[...] second-round pick Jihad Ward looked pretty good for a defensive lineman who ESPN reported at the draft may need more knee surgery.