Raiders | Derrick Johnson on Marquel Lee Authentic Marcus Gilchrist Jersey , rookies | The Fresno BeeOakland Raiders linebacker Derrick Johnson is entering his 14th NFL season. He knows a thing or two about what it takes to play the game.Here's why Khalil Mack won't be there when the new Gruden-Raiders era begins - CBSSports.comBarring the Raiders suddenly reversing course and engaging on a legitimate contract, there is no way this All-Pro will be with the team when the regular season begins. It's almost impossible for any player to sit out an entire season -- as contracts would toll to the ensuing season if he's not present by Week 10 -- but that leaves a wide swath of time in between.Report: Raiders rejecting trade inquiries about Khalil MackThe Raiders are reportedly denying trade requests for Khalil Mack.Gruden: Raiders awaiting emergence of No. 3 receiver - SFChronicle.comAlthough the Raiders are happy to have Jordy Nelson out wide with Amari Cooper these days, they’re still waiting for another of their receivers to surface as a reliable third option.Jamarcus Russell ‘made it rain’ during Raiders rookie talent show - Silver And Black PrideJamarcus Russell is widely known as one of the biggest draft busts of all time. He was drafted first overall by the Raiders in 2007 and promptly held out for more money. He is one of the major reasons behind the NFL’s current rookie salary slotting scale.Top five reasons to be excited about the 2018 Oakland Raiders - Silver And Black PrideTraining camp is in the books. The preseason is at the halfway point. And the 2018 season fast approaches. With what we’ve seen from this team so far, there is plenty to be excited about. Here are the top five.NFL breakout players 2018: Johnny Holton has the speed the Raiders need - SBNation.comSure, there are the deep routes, but the guy’s more than just a one-trick pony, if they’ll give him the chance.AFC WestHow Chad Kelly went from Mr. Irrelevant to unlikely Broncos backup - SBNation.comChad Kelly is dominating the Broncos’ backup quarterback battle against a player who went six rounds earlier than him in the NFL Draft.Paxton Lynch Booed by Broncos Fans When Entering Game vs. Bears | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and HighlightsDenver Broncos fans were not pleased to see quarterback Paxton Lynch enter Saturday's 24-23 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears.Connor McGovern’s development critical for Denver Broncos’ OL success - Mile High ReportThird-year offensive lineman Connor McGovern has taken a huge step forward and should provide the Broncos’ offensive line with some much needed consistency at right guard.Chargers expected to get a pair of starters back this week | Chargers WireAnthony Lynn mentioned that by the end of the week the Chargers should get a couple starters back.Seahawks at Chargers: What I saw on Defense - Bolts From The BlueThe Los Angeles Chargers first preseason game is in the books and, needless to say Womens Mike Nugent Jersey , it provided the team and its fans with plenty of fodder conversation. While the game was sloppy and ended in a loss, it certainly took baby steps toward providing answers, some expected and some unexpected, to a variety of training camp questions.Casey Hayward gives Chargers an injury scare as hamstrung secondary limps alongHayward, one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, appeared to grab at his hamstring while in coverage.Kansas City Chiefs’ latest injury report highlighted by Eric Berry - Arrowhead PrideEric Berry hasn’t practice for the Chiefs in 10 daysKansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes shows promise | The Kansas City StarIt wasn’t merely that Mahomes’ footwork and timing were better than in the previous version. It also was testimony to a few other substantial things, including the chemistry building through ongoing extra work last week with Kelce.Orlando Scandrick worked as the third cornerback at Chiefs practice - Arrowhead PrideAfter nine years with the Dallas Cowboys, Scandrick is quickly learning his new team and role in Kansas City.Around the NFLGrading all 32 first-round picks from the 2018 NFL Draft | NFL Analysis | Pro Football FocusTwo full weeks of the NFL preseason schedule have been completed, giving us a larger sample size to delve into just how each of the 2018 NFL Draft first-round picks have fared in their respective action so far.Ravens CB Jimmy Smith suspended first 4 games of regualr season | SI.comThe NFL announced Tuesday that Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith will be suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.2018 NFL predictions Authentic Jared Cook Jersey , playoffs, Super Bowl LIII champion | SI.comWe all know that the upcoming NFL season will surprise us in ways we cannot imagine, yet we play the prediction game anyway. Here we present team-by-team records, how the playoffs will unfold and which team will take home the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LIII.Aaron Rodgers on contract extension: 'I'm not trying to screw' the Packers - CBSSports.comRodgers is the next quarterback in line for an extension after Matt Ryan's record-setting dealNFL breakout players 2018: Predicting the next big thing for all 32 teams - SBNation.comRetired NFL defensive end Stephen White has been grinding tape all summer to figure out which players are poised for a big leap forward in 2018. Maurice Hurst-82.4Hurst is the only defensive player ranked in the Raiders top five.Hurst has been by far the defense’s most productive and consistent player.Through six games, Hurst is looking like a draft day steal after he fell to round five.Hurst has 12 tackles, two sacks, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble.His ability to push the pocket continues to show up on film.The next two highest graded defensive players are Nick Morrow (80.5) who has only played seven defensive snaps on the year and Frostee Rucker (70.5).Due to the limit amount of snaps played by Morrow he does not qualify for the top five. Rodney Hudson-77.3The offensive line is bruised and battered but there has been one bright spot in the group.Rodney Hudson has been rock solid for an offensive line that badly needs the stability.Hudosn ranks third among players at his position.Donald Penn who was placed on injured reserve was struggling with the shift to right tackle.Rookie, Brandon Parker has stepped in as the new starting right tackle and has not faired much better (53.4).Kelechi Osemele http://www.oaklandraidersteamonline.com/gareon-conley-jersey , missed both weeks five and six with a knee injury.Jon Feliciano replaced Osemele at left guard, but he suffered a rib injury in the first quarter against the Seahawks.Justin Murray saw the first action of his pro career in relief of Feliciano.Rookie, Kolton Miller appeared to be progressing nicely at left tackle but has struggled recently giving up six sacks the past two weeks.Miller is playing through an MCL strain that is clearly effecting his ability.Jared Cook-74.6Jared Cook started out the year red hot recording 370 of his 400 receiving yards in the first four weeks.The past two games have been a different story.Cook’s production has taken a major dip, catching only six balls for 30 yards.Cook’s name has also been mentioned as a player who could be available as the trade deadline approaches.That will be something to monitor in the next couple of weeks.Marshawn Lynch-74.1Along with Cook, Marshawn Lynch has been one of the positives for the Raiders offense.Lynch has ran hard and with a purpose.Lynch currently sits just outside the top 10 leading rushers in the league with 376 yards.Jon Gruden said this week that Lynch is undergoing an MRI on his ailing groin injury.Gruden also stated that he is “very concerned” about the status of Lynch going forward.Derek Carr-71.2There has been no more polarizing figure for the Raiders, than Derek Carr.One week he is praised for his effort and heroics leading the Raiders to a comeback win versus the Browns.And the following two weeks he is blamed for terrible offensive performances.The most glaring issue with Carr through six weeks is that he is trying to do to much.He knows how bad the defense is and as a result has forced the issue on a few plays.It would be great to see Carr and Gruden get on the same page throughout the remaining ten weeks.At this point the 2018 season is a lost cause, let’s start looking for small victories that Carr and Gruden can build on in 2019.