Bill Williamson, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Revisiting Derek Carr's trip to Gruden camp

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- ESPN Insider Mike Sando spent time this spring at Jon Gruden’s famous pre-draft quarterback camp.

Tuesday, after the Oakland Raiders named rookie Derek Carr their starting quarterback -- he’s the first of this rookie class to be named the starter -- Sando recalled some of his notes from the experience. Here’s what he rememberedInsider from Carr’s time with Gruden:

The college and pro athletes who participated in workouts at the Gruden camps raved about Carr's physical gifts as a passer. None of the other QBs created the same on-field buzz at the Gruden camps this year.

A talent evaluator briefed on Carr's performance there said Carr would still struggle in the NFL unless he demonstrated a willingness to hang tough in the pocket. Carr will get that opportunity in Week 1 against the New York Jets' dominating defensive front. That atmosphere will be a far cry from the practice fields in Orlando.

Here are Gruden’s thoughtsInsider on his time with Carr.

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