Oakland Raiders rookie defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes has made a pretty good first impression on his new defensive coordinator.

Ever since being selected in the third-round of April’s NFL draft, Vanderdoes has put in the time towards preparing himself for the beginning of the season.

Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. has definitely taken notice of the former UCLA Bruin’s hard work and is liking what he’s seen so far.

“He’s been a student of the game,” Norton Jr. said during his media availability on Monday. “I think he understands how to get lined up. He understands the blocking schemes. He understands how to get on edges.”

Norton Jr. and the Raiders coaching staff plan to utilize Vanderdoes’ big 6-foot-3 305 pound frame as a run stuffer in the middle of the interior defensive line.

Fortunately for Raider Nation, Vanderdoes is doing what he can to become one of the league’s best rookie defensive lineman and Norton Jr. intends to give him every opportunity to do that.

“We’re very happy with what we have. He’s jumped right in no problem,” Norton Jr. said.