The mad scientist has some experienced, well-respected assistants this year, as well as some shiny new equipment.

And five practices into the Raiders' training camp, things in the lab are humming.

"Practices are much more clean," defensive coordinator Jason Tarver said. "We have a sense of wanting to do it right, and we're making less mistakes. Our veterans that we brought in are doing a pretty good job."

Tarver is excited - even more excited than normal - about his seven new starters, after last year's team couldn't maintain what had been a good first six games.

The Raiders, who went 4-12 last season, had to blitz a lot to get some pressure on the quarterback, and you don't need a master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from UCLA - like Tarver has - to know that will get you burned at times.

Tarver said Wednesday after practice that he still will disguise his team's coverages this season, but new players Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, Antonio Smith and prized rookie Khalil Mack do spiff up that approach some.

"We will continue to be multiple, to look like one thing and bring a guy from here or there," Tarver said. "What we have this year is more guys that can win 1-on-1 matchups, so our job is to create the 1-on-1's.

"So sometimes we'll create pressure with a four-man rush, and sometimes, 5, 6, 7 or 8. So, we're going to blitz, we're going to drop guys and do all of it, but I sure as heck hope we can line up with a four-man rush and affect the quarterback."

Head coach Dennis Allen compared Mack, a first-round pick, to Von Miller, and general manager Reggie McKenzie said Mack reminded him of Clay Matthews. Tarver likes Mack being Mack. And he thinks the rookie has all the skills to affect the opposing quarterback and the game right away.

For a pass rusher to succeed, he has to "get off. You've gotta be fast; if you don't scare them with speed, you don't have anything," Tarver said. "It's fast feet and using your hands. And then it's feel for bodies. Those are the three things for a pass rusher.

"He does that. When to long-arm, when to spin, when to come back down, how to work with Tuck and the guys, that's the process that's going on. He'll be just fine."

Tarver also has been pleased with the job that Neiko Thorpe and Chimdi Chekwa and rookie TJ Carrie have done with the extra reps they've gotten because of cornerback DJ Hayden's foot injury. There is still no timetable on his return. Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers will start, but there are backup jobs available.

"Neiko's done well, Carrie's done well, Chimdi gets better everyday - he knocked another couple of balls out today," Tarver said. "I like that they're competing. We're pleased with where they are and can't wait to see them play in the preseason."

Fourth-round pick Keith McGill missed the first couple of days of camp after injuring his ankle on the conditioning test, but should jump into the competition soon.

"He's just getting his camp legs now," Tarver said. "It looks like he's done a good job studying over the summer. He's much more confident in what he's doing. He asks pretty good questions; he just needs reps.

"Get him in, get him in the moment and let him play. And then you coach him up."