But coach Lane Kiffin is raising his expectations. He's looking for players to excel, things to be done right.
The thing he was most proud of after Friday's initial practice was the offense making just one turnover – an interception by linebacker Ronnie Pentz, who dived to catch an errant Jeff Otis pass.
Apparently to Kiffin, being a few weeks removed from college studies doesn't excuse players from making multiple errors.
The Raiders began a three-day rookie minicamp with their five draft picks and a collection of rookie free agents, players without a year of experience in the league and players trying out.
The purpose of the camp is to get rookies acquainted with the playbook so that when the mandatory minicamp begins June 3 they can participate rather than look confused.
So Kiffin was happy to see the offense care for the ball so well despite the inexperience of almost everyone on the field.
"So many of these times, you see guys going the wrong way, run into each other, balls on the ground," Kiffin said. "I was very impressed with the players today as far as their carryover from what they learned last night and this morning."
A total of 41 players took part, 14 of whom are trying out for the team.
Most NFL teams held rookie or mandatory minicamps last weekend, or the weekend after the draft – something the Raiders had done in previous years.
Kiffin said the plan was to allow players to recover from the stress of the draft and arrive ready to play without the pressure of working against veterans.
"The plays are different, so anything new is going to be a little difficult," said wide receiver Chaz Schilens, a seventh-round draft pick. "But for the most part, the plays are pretty simple. You can pick them up easily. Of course, they're going slow for us right now."
There's good reason for that.
"Rookies are so far behind, in my opinion you don't get to evaluate them as well," said Kiffin, referring to how new players compare to veterans. "So let's see how far we can catch them up … and now throw them into the mandatory camp when everyone is here."
The Raiders have seen some players only on film. Running back Michael Bush is the one key player from last season participating. He spent last season on the physically unable to perform list.
Bush rotated with first-round draft pick Darren McFadden and rookie free agent Louis Rankin. There were also players who were on the practice squad last season, but the Raiders know little about most participants.
Kiffin said he was excited to get those players on the field and ready to break down their play, whether they were drafted or just hoping to sign a deal and end up in training camp.
"I try to prepare our coaches with an open mind-set to take the draft positions off of them," Kiffin said. "I don't care about that anymore. Evaluate these guys.
"Don't think that guy is better than that guy just because of where he was drafted or how much he was paid. Just keep plugging away at it."
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