PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Defensive Hopes Rest on Kelly

The Raiders need to upgrade their linebacking this season and recently acquired Joe Kelly is being counted on to step forward.

Kelly, of Los Angeles Fremont High and the University of Washington, is in his eighth season in the NFL. He signed as a free agent from the New York Jets, with whom he played outside linebacker the last three seasons.

“This is a great opportunity for me at this point in my career,” Kelly said. “I’m getting a chance to play middle linebacker, which I feel is my best position.

“I’m here early so I can get things down mentally. It feels good so far because New York had a similar defensive scheme.”

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Many familiar faces will be missing when Raider veterans arrive in camp today at Oxnard.

Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, Ronnie Lott, Riki Ellison, Bob Golic, Jay Schroeder, Mervyn Fernandez and Reggie McElroy will not be among the veterans scheduled to report because they have changed teams or retired.

In addition, Dave Waymer died during the off-season.

The Raiders still have several veterans unsigned, including wide receivers Willie Gault and Sam Graddy, linebacker Aaron Wallace, tight end Andrew Glover and defensive back Torin Dorn.

The Raider rookies and free agents will have a walk-through practice this morning. On Saturday, the entire team will have its first full practice in the afternoon.