It is official; the Oakland Raiders will be the latest team to be featured in the show “Hard Knocks” by HBO. For those of you unfamiliar with the show, HBO will give you an all-access look at the Raiders during the team’s training camp with exclusive interviews, highlights and moments you can’t get anywhere else.
The Raiders were chosen to be the featured team due to an overwhelming amount of storylines heading in the 2019 season. Between new general manager Mike Mayock, Jon Gruden entering his second season in his reunion with the Raiders, the eventual move to Las Vegas, there are an endless of topics to watch and discuss surrounding the team.
Today, we are looking at four players who have intriguing storylines to follow and could be “featured” on this season of Hard Knocks. So without further ado, let’s dive in and get to the players we all want to see.
1. WR Antonio Brown
One of the biggest reasons the Raiders were likely chosen for Hard Knocks was due to the trade of wide receiver Antonio Brown.
After forcing his way out of Pittsburgh, Brown has quickly become one of the most controversial players in the entire NFL. He has feuded with Ben Roethlisberger, Juju Smith-Schuster and the Steelers’ offensive line, which led to the Steelers finally moving him.
But now that he is in Oakland, all eyes will be on him and how he gets along with his new teammates, especially Derek Carr. Not only are his relationships and interactions going to be monitored closely, but it will also be fascinating to see how quickly he can get on the same page with his new quarterback.
Look for Brown to be one of the stars of the show this summer as he is on a mission to show that he is still the best receiver in all of football.
2. DE Clelin Ferrell
HBO loves to follow the rookies during their first training camp, and they will likely keep close tabs on No. 4 overall pick Clelin Ferrell. Ferrell has already been applauded for his leadership and his work ethic, so it will be fascinating to see how quickly he becomes the best player on their defensive line.
Despite the “dog days” of camp which will inevitably occur, look for Ferrell to be a bright spot in the Raiders’ front seven. Considering many people believed he was a reach at the place he was taken, look for him and his play to be on full display later this summer.
3. LB Vontaze Burfict
On the defensive side of the ball, no player is more polarizing than linebacker Vontaze Burfict.
After struggling to stay on the field over the last few seasons with the Bengals due to injuries and suspensions, he was released by the team after seven seasons. He was quickly signed by the Raiders as he reunites with former defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.
Outside of how he fits into the Raiders’ defense, Burfict has had his fair share of ugly moments with former rival Antonio Brown. It will be fascinating to see how these two emotional people work as teammates on their new team. Look for Burfict to be one of the “stars” of HBO’s Hard Knocks.
4. LG Richie Incognito
Last, but not least is a player who is very familiar with drama; offensive guard Richie Incognito. After announcing his retirement in 2018, Incognito has decided to return to the football field in 2019 as he signed with the Raiders in May. He is expected to be the team’s starting left guard after they traded away Kelechi Osemele to the Jets earlier this offseason.
Incognito has had problems in the past dealing with specific teammates, especially younger offensive linemen. How he fits into the Raiders’ team and their offensive line room could have a significant impact on their success this season. He will surely be the focus of many segments in the show this summer.
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