The Las Vegas Raiders aim for an improved year as the coaching staff is currently evaluating the roster in training camp. After multiple maneuvers in the offseason, the Raiders hope to make the playoffs this year. It's a tough task, as the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers both look like playoff contenders in the AFC West.

Even so, Vegas is likely confident in themselves right now. Jon Gruden has given high praise to both Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards. Even though Darren Waller has been absent, he is still one of the best tight ends in the league. The offense should be solid, but the defense must improve.

Although they're facing an uphill battle this season, the Raiders have had some great news surfacing out of training camp. For that reason, Las Vegas could have a more dangerous pass attack than originally perceived. Meanwhile, the Raiders have a position battle going on in the cornerback position. With that said, here are three pleasant surprises standing out for the Raiders in training camp.

Raiders Offense

Zay Jones

Jon Gruden has given big-time compliments to Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards, but Zay Jones has been a standout during training camp. He's heavily involved in drills and practice, and according to the Las Vegas Sun, Jones has yet to drop a pass. After a rough start to his career, Jones was brought in to compete for a depth spot on the roster. However, based on how he's performing, he could carve out a role in this offense.

The Raiders released their unofficial depth chart recently and Zay Jones is currently the immediate backup behind Bryan Edwards. The three starting spots are likely locked down by Ruggs, Edwards, and Hunter Renfrow, so Jones will have to prove himself to earn the fourth spot on the depth chart. Keep an eye on Zay Jones, as he's been lights out since the start of training camp.

Foster Moreau

A lot of this stems from Darren Waller missing time in training camp and there isn't a timeline on his return. Even so, Foster Moreau has stepped up in the tight end position proving his worth. Moreau plays big and could be a nice red-zone target for Derek Carr until Waller returns.

Foster Moreau is more likely to be a solid backup. However, his dominance in training camp should dampen any concerns if Waller ends up missing any games this year. Due to his consistency in training camp, Moreau has been a pleasant surprise for the Raiders so far.

Raiders Defense

Nate Hobbs

With Neville Lawson suspended for the first two games of the season, the Raiders have a competition going for the starting nickel cornerback spot on the defense. At the start of training camp, it seemed it was mainly between Nate Hobbs and Amik Robertson. However, Hobbs has been running away with it as he has become the clear-cut favorite to win the job.

Nate Hobbs was selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, so it's not like expectations were incredibly high to start. Since he's been balling out in training camp though, the Raiders have to feel good about having Hobbs on the roster. We'll see how he does in the preseason, as stringing together some solid performances should earn him the starting job until Lawson's return in Week 3.