Here are the 3 key battles of Raiders training camp thus far

One of the biggest surprises of Raiders training camp so far is the battle brewing between Jackson Powers-Johnson and Jordan Meredith to be the team’s starting center.

Powers-Johnson, a 2024 second-round pick, was considered a lock for the job entering camp. And it still feels like it’s his to lose. But Meredith has pushed his way into the picture. The two are alternating days as the first-team center.

“It just goes to the heart of everything,” coach Pete Carroll said. “It’s always competing. These guys are battling for their playing time.”

Here’s a closer look at some of the Raiders’ most prominent camp battles:

Center

It’s a surprise that Powers-Johnson, 22, is fighting to be a starter. He played well as a rookie after moving from guard to center.

Meredith, 27, was the Raiders’ highest-graded offensive lineman by the website Pro Football Focus last year. But he’s only played guard in the NFL.

Carroll believes Meredith, who is listed at 6-foot-2, 301 pounds, may be a better physical fit at center, however.

“He’s a little bit of a smaller guy, so the position is more adaptable for him,” Carroll said. “His power that he generates, and then the quickness and the smarts, that combination is what really gives him a good chance to compete for this thing.”

Meredith, who was undrafted out of Western Kentucky in 2021, started a career-high eight games last season. He impressed the Raiders enough to get another crack at extended playing time.

“He played really efficiently last year. His numbers, his consistency really showed up,” Carroll said. “So he opened our eyes in the offseason studies, and so we’re just giving him a shot.”

That doesn’t mean the Raiders are giving up on Powers-Johnson, but he will have to fight to stay on the field.

“JPJ’s working his tail off,” Carroll said. “Both those guys are battling. So it just makes us better.”

Cornerback

Veteran Eric Stokes, who the Raiders signed in free agency this offseason, has taken hold of one starting job. But the role across from him is up for grabs.

Rookie Darien Porter and second-year pro Decamerion Richardson have taken turns playing with the starting unit over the past few days. Richardson, 24, is making a strong push for playing time.

JT Woods, who the Raiders signed July 22, is getting reps with the second team. That means third-year pro Jakorian Bennett, who started seven games last season, has been relegated to the third team.

“I just love the fact that the room is competitive,” defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. “There are a lot of good guys in there, and it’s driving all of them to improve. Because you’ve got to be ready to go.”

Porter, a third-round pick out of Iowa State, got the bulk of the first-team reps during the Raiders offseason program. Richardson, however, has put himself on the radar with a strong camp. The 2024 fourth-round pick came up with an end zone interception Sunday against quarterback Geno Smith.

“The thing about Cam, he works really hard. He corrects his mistakes,” Graham said. “He has all the tools. He’s long, he’s fast, he’s physical. I’m just real pleased with the progress he’s made from (his) rookie year to now.”

Woods, 25, is transitioning from safety to cornerback with the Raiders. The 2022 third-round pick of the Chargers, who is listed at 6-foot-2, 193 pounds, fits Carroll’s preference for tall, fast corners.

“He’s been doing a really nice job. He’s had some really competitive plays. He’s won some one on ones,” Carroll said. “He looks just right. He’s really fast, he’s really coordinated, can catch the ball well and all of that. He listens and he’s comfortable with what we’re asking (with) the style of play.”

Wide receiver

The Raiders are looking for pass catchers to step up behind tight end Brock Bowers and No. 1 wide receiver Jakobi Meyers.

So far, veteran Tre Tucker and rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. have all had their moments in camp. Bech, a second-round pick, and Thornton, a fourth-round selection, both stood out Monday when the Raiders practiced in full pads for the first time.

“Jack looked really good yesterday. He blocked well, he caught the ball in traffic, he made some tough catches and he was hustling like crazy,” Carroll said. “He showed up. He was all over the place. And so, I think it was obvious he’s one of those guys.”

Thornton was primarily a deep threat in college and hauled in a long touchdown pass from Smith on Monday. But he’s looked comfortable performing other duties as well.

“He’s made tough catches over the middle, he’s caught the slant routes where he’s getting banged around and all that, and he’s comfortable with it,” Carroll said. “I just stopped him after practice, just to look him in the eye and just try to get a feeling, is it seeming too big for him? He’s right in it, and so really excited about his chance to help us.”

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.