Graham, Jones Go Way Back Before Las Vegas
The journey has come full circle for Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and veteran edge rusher Chandler Jones.
When the two first crossed paths in the NFL, they were both in the early stage of their careers, looking for something to prove.
Graham was in his first year as the defensive line coach of the New England Patriots, who selected Jones with the 21st overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft that offseason.
Now, they're preparing for their second season together with the Raiders.
"You know Chan is like my favorite; don't tell anybody, though," Graham told reporters on Thursday. "But Chan's been my favorite for -- the sky's the limit with Chan. Chan, the things he did last year in terms of putting pressure on the quarterback, playing the run. I mean, I'm just so proud of him because I remember -- you got to remember -- I coached him as a rookie, and Brendan Daly had him after that, and [then] he went to Arizona. And you just see the growth of a true technician, a true professional, in terms of the way he can explain the game, the way he executes out there, the way he can see it. And his leadership ability.
"I mean, I'm just so proud of him, and then, again, he's working hard every day, and we'll see how it all plays out. But Chan's a great player. A great player who's been doing it for a long time. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens."
The respect is mutual for Jones, who enters his 12th NFL season.
"Pat is another guy who is very cerebral," Jones said. "He's a very smart person. Man, Pat, I was just telling one of the younger guys, Pat was my position coach as a rookie. So just to see him level up -- his coaching style, even his job title -- it's just been, it's been amazing for me as a friend. Not as a co-worker or as him being my coach, but as a friend. It's been fun to watch, so I'm very happy for him."
OTA Offseason workouts: June 12-15
Mandatory Minicamp: June 6-8
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