Raiders coach Dennis Allen indicated he has no interest in using a rotation at tight end, and wants "somebody to step up." A favorite deep sleeper of Rotoworld/PFF's Mike Clay, David Ausberry is considered to have an "edge" over Richard Gordon, and rookies Nick Kasa and Mychal Rivera. At 6-foot-4 and 248 pounds, Ausberry ran a 4.48 forty coming out of USC in 2011. "We want somebody to step up, say that, 'I'm the man and this is my job,'" Allen explained. "We're going to let the competition dictate that."

CSN Bay Area believes David Ausberry will get the first crack at the Raiders' tight end job. Ausberry and Richard Gordon are the longest-tenured tight ends on the roster, so they'll get the first looks based on experience. But rookies Nick Kasa and Mychal Rivera will both be given fair shots to win the gig. The four players have combined for ten career receptions in the NFL.

The San Francisco Chronicle says the Raiders don't view TEs David Ausberry and Richard Gordon as starting-caliber players. Oakland is set to lose Brandon Myers in free agency, and they're going to need a replacement. Ausberry and Gordon aren't those guys. The Chronicle says free agents Anthony Fasano and Kevin Boss "might want to keep their cell line open."

According to the Contra Costa Times, ''there's work to be done'' before the Raiders can feel confident about what they have at the tight end position. David Ausberry is working with the first team offense at OTAs and currently atop the depth chart, but a veteran signing can't be ruled out. Brandon Myers and FB/TE Richard Gordon are role-specific players with starting experience. Ausberry, a converted wide receiver, is likely to be spelled as a run blocker and in pass protection.

Raiders TE David Ausberry is working primarily with his "hand in the dirt" at OTAs. Coach Dennis Allen believes the converted wide receiver "definitely has the ability to" become an every-down tight end, and the Raiders are serious about making it happen long-term. Ausberry has gained 20 pounds to aid in blocking, though he remains on the raw side. While we aren't expecting much fantasy value in 2012, Ausberry makes for a decent Dynasty stash.

The Contra Costa Times expects David Ausberry to have the best receiving stats of all Raiders tight ends this year. Ausberry says he's up to 265 pounds, 20 over his listed weight. Although coach Dennis Allen believes Ausberry has the potential to be an every-down tight end, his 2012 fantasy potential is limited by an expected platoon with Brandon Myers and Richard Gordon.

Coach Dennis Allen expects David Ausberry to be deployed as a receiving tight end this season. Converting from wide receiver, Ausberry is "noticeably bigger" in the upper body to aid in those situations when he does find himself blocking. With Kevin Boss out of the picture, Ausberry may emerge as Oakland's primary pass-catching tight end. The position will take a backseat to wide receiver in Greg Knapp's offense.

Raiders TE David Ausberry is expected to get a "long look" from the Raiders coaching staff this summer. The 2011 seventh-rounder is an ex-wideout who impressed the old coaching staff in training camp last season. With a strong preseason, he could earn a rotational role with Brandon Myers, who is a much better blocker.

Seventh-round TE David Ausberry has been a highlight at Raiders camp. According to beat writer Jerry McDonald, Ausberry's strong play is getting overshadowed by camp darling Denarius Moore. Ausberry is an ex-wideout that looks like a strong bet to make the final 53. "He is a tremendous find for us. He's doing some great things," coach Jackson said.

The Raiders have moved seventh-round pick David Ausberry to tight end. At 6'3/233 without much speed, he was never a candidate to be a Raiders wideout. There's room on his frame to gain weight and he'll likely use this season to do so while working on his blocking. The practice squad is a good possibility.