Undrafted free agent RB Michael Dyer has stood out in the early stages of Raiders camp. Dyer has performed well while the expected backup, former first-round pick Trent Richardson, has yet to get on the field. He is on the non-football illness list.
Dyer continued to take advantage of his extra reps on Sunday and he broke off a few long runs.
"I think Michael's done a nice job developing from what we saw in the spring to now," Oakland coach Jack Del Rio said. "He's more comfortable, he's more accountable, more dependable in special teams units and the offense. Every now and then he'll pop through there and show some of that speed that he has, so I think he's off to a nice start."
Dyer was a freshman standout at Auburn, but had several issues and ended up going to three colleges. He was always considered an NFL-type talent, but his off-field problems dropped him off draft boards.
Richardson's entrance into the NFL was much different. He was the No. 3 overall pick by Cleveland. The Browns gave up on him in 2013 and traded him to Indianapolis for a first-round pick. He was cut this offseason. The Raiders surprised many in the league by giving the 25-year-old Richardson $600,000 in guaranteed money even though he has a career per carry yardage average of 3.3.
Del Rio wouldn't say what Richardson's issue is, the story said, but he did say Richardson, who is 5-foot-9, had dropped weight and is weighing in the 220-pound range. Richardson ballooned when he left Alabama and he reportedly weighed in the 240s last season. Latavius Murray, of course, is expected to take over the feature back role for the Raiders, but keep an eye on Dyer as someone would could very well end up passing Richardson on the depth chart.
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