NAPA, Calif. -- Here are five observations from the Raiders' training camp.

	Jerry Rice caught 83 passes for 1,139 yards last season.

1. It's amazing to see how Jerry Rice changes his body at the age of 39. The best receiver and perhaps the best-conditioned receiver in NFL history hit the weights this offseason. He reported at 210 pounds, 16 pounds heavier than last year and 12 pounds heavier than any time in his career. His plan is to use the extra strength to get off the line of scrimmage in press coverage.

2. The absence of retired guard Steve Wisniewski has clearly turned this offensive line into more of a straight-ahead power blocking team. Wisniewski could do it all -- power block and excel with movement. Frank Middleton, a 330-pounder with quick feet, takes his place. The Raiders will emphasize more straight-ahead power running plays, but they have the flexibility to use their size to isolate weaknesses if a defense has problems on the outside.

3. Linebacker Bill Romanowski will be on a mission. Playing the strong side, Romanowski believes the Raiders will better utilize his skills than the Broncos did last year. Romanowski didn't like being restricted in last year's Broncos scheme. He believes his strength is matching up against tight ends, blitzing and being a complete linebacker.

4. Jerry Porter's emergence as a deep threat is vital. Teammate Tim Brown joked to him that now that Porter won't be arguing with coach Jon Gruden over playing time, he can just concentrate on playing. Porter takes over James Jett's role as the No. 3 receiver and deep threat in the three-receiver set from split end.

5. Quarterback Rich Gannon, 36, is a little grayer, but he's also very focused. He believes that the change to Bill Callahan will promote good dialogue over the offensive plan in the mission to find the right balance of run versus pass. He plans to re-emphasize getting more throws downfield because he doesn't like the critics who say that he's strictly a short passer.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.