The players have arrived, the pads are on and things are starting to heat up for the Las Vegas Raiders as they arrive at training camp.

There is a lot of optimism after a strong finish to the season under Antonio Pierce in 2023.

Now it’s Pierce’s first real chance to show that he can carry that momentum into 2024 and turn the franchise around.

The Raiders are at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, California with some things to figure out before the season gets underway.

The biggest thing to watch for is the quarterback battle between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew but there are other storylines worth tracking as well.

Here, we’ll take a look at the latest rumors and buzz circulating about the team as training camp gets underway.

Iron sharpens iron and competition can bring out the best in a player.

The Raiders will find out if some intense competition is going to speed up the development of right tackle Thayer Munford.

Thayer Munford is about to have a whole lot of competition in camp.

Head coach Antonio Pierce told reporters that he will be matching up Crosby with Munford and doesn’t plan on having his star defensive lineman hold back.

“Munford can’t have a bad day. Can’t have a bad rep.

Because I’m not slowing Maxx Crosby down. Not doing it,” Pierce told media.

“I told our staff, I’m not doing it.

Munford’s going to see that in real life when we go against these other defensive ends in the National Football League.

So, to get those repetitions each and every day, give or take 50 or 60 snaps per practice.

Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth to make us a better team.”

The Raiders are relying on Munford to take a leap in Year 3.

He started 10 games last season and finished with a PFF grade of 74.1 which was 25th among all qualified tackles.

With Jermaine Eluemunot leaving in free agency the Raiders don’t have a real back up plan.

Munford has to be one of the best linemen they have.