Quick Hits: Jack Del Rio Breaks Down Newest Additions To Roster And Coaching Staff – Raiders.com

Head Coach Jack Del Rio

Phoenix The major news to come out of the NFL meetings this week was the Oakland Raiders approval for relocation to Las Vegas. Following Mondays news, Head Coach Jack Del Rio sat down with the media in Arizona Tuesday morning to discuss a wide array of topics, primarily the newest additions to the Silver and Black.

Here are the quick hits from his media session:

Del Rio discussed the health of quarterback Derek Carr and how his recovery is going.

I dont think theres any reason to take it easy; hes fired up. I got to peek out and see him working out with the trainers last week, before we came down. Hes moving around very well, I think hes real excited about where he is, and how the rehab is going. We expect to have him for all of the OTAs [Organized Team Activities].

He talked about the addition of tight end Jared Cook, and how hell add another dimension to the offense.

Were really excited to have [tight end] Jared [Cook], hes developed. I mean, at this point youre getting a guy thats in his prime, hes physically grown from when he came out to where he is now. Hes really worked at his body, his strength, hes a guy that we think can do a little bit of everything. He blocks a little bit better than maybe hes given credit for. He definitely can be a matchup problem for defenses to deal with and handle.

Following the teams approval for relocation to Las Vegas, he commented on the news and expressed the team will continue working hard for the fans.

I think we have the best fans, the loudest fans, the most die-hard fans. I want to enjoy them here now, we want to make sure we put out a good product and play good ball to make them proud, now. Hopefully they have enough fun they might even show up on a plane to come see us in the future, but the here and now, theyre at their best when were at our best. Id rather acknowledge they give us tremendous support and we really appreciate it, and just continue to work to make sure that they are enjoying what theyre seeing.

The Raiders Head Coach shared his thoughts on the addition of John Pagano.

Really happy to have [Assistant Head Coach Defense] John Pagano join us, hes got a wealth of experience, comes from a great football family, hes a bright guy. Hes done a superb job, I think, of blending in with the staff and getting a feel for everybody, and how they work and how weve done things. Well be able to offer up a suggestion or two of where we can take we pull together and it becomes us. We have a lot of different experiences, and he brings a lot of that experience to the table, and hes a good communicator.

Del Rio expressed his excitement to have speedster Cordarrelle Patterson on the team.

Really excited about CP [wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson], hes a gifted athlete, once he touches the ball he can score from anywhere. Hes excited about what we plan on doing with him in our offense, and in our special teams. Hes not just a special teams guy, were going to integrate him into our offense and I think hes a dynamic playmaker.

He broke down what went into the decision to promote Todd Downing to offensive coordinator.

The interaction that I witnessed, the leadership that he provided over the last two years. I think the ability to communicate with his group, elevate the play of his group, the importance of that group, I saw all of that. I think overall, the ability to lead in the offensive staff room, the ability to direct, organize, and execute assignments that were given. He earned his way, its his time to get an opportunity, and I believe hes a really good, talented, young coach.

Del Rio said he believes safety Karl Joseph will take the next step of his development in his second season.

I think Karls going to take a big step forward this year as a player, and his development. Just with comfort and understanding whats expected of him, coming in and being healthy, having a full offseason of work. I just feel like a confident Karl Joseph is going to be a much more impactful guy.

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Quick Hits: Jack Del Rio Breaks Down Newest Additions To Roster And Coaching Staff - Raiders.com