But in OTAs and minicamp, it's more about teaching tendencies than getting results, establishing an identity rather than looking good in their uniforms on media day, right?
"Last year, we were doing a lot of bailing," Allen said. "We'd be in a press and then we'd bail. This year, it's a lot more technically sound press-man [coverage].
"So if you're up and the receiver releases, you're going to try and stay in that hip pocket and create leverage points for you, either inside or out. So that's a difference right away - that you can go on the football field and see there's no more press/bail."
Haynes, lining up across from Lester Hayes, was part of an era when the Raiders were known for playing mostly man-coverage. This week, he was urged by Allen and others in the building to keep at least one eye on Porter, the converted receiver from Iowa State whose lanky 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame echoes Haynes' 6-foot-2, 192-pound stature as a player.
"I talked to him a little bit and I want to get out there again," Haynes said. "I really liked his height and you could really tell he was a student. Sometimes when you talk to a guy it feels like, 'That dude acts like he knows everything.'"
Haynes laughed.
"But he wasn't one of those guys. You could tell he was there and he was learning and that's what I did my first two years, maybe even three."
Porter, a receiver at Iowa State his first three seasons, looks the part. Especially with his 4.3-second 40-time.
"I have the opportunity but, obviously, you have to make the most of it," Porter said. "I'm excited to compete with the guys. I think we all understand there are spots open and the best player will get it, but you have to earn it."
During the Raiders' media day on Monday, Allen perked up when Bennett came to the set.
"Here comes that cover-corner," Allen said, before the two went totally inside baseball er, football, breaking down the intricacies of the position.