Mike Goodson surpassing expectations so far with Raiders

The Oakland Raiders knew Mike Goodson could run with speed and catch passes too, but coach Dennis Allen is also impressed with how quickly he's learned the offense, among other things.

As a defensive backs coach for New Orleans in 2010, new Raiders coach Dennis Allen learned plenty about running back Mike Goodson.

Goodson rushed for 452 yards and three TDs on 103 carries and caught 40 passes for 310 yards that season for Carolina, the Saints’ NFC South rival.

So when the Raiders acquired Goodson this year from Carolina in a trade for offensive guard Bruce Campbell, Allen knew about his speed and quickness as a runner and skill as a pass receiver out of the backfield.

Goodson has been all that and more so far in training camp.

“I think from a mental standpoint is where I’ve been the most surprised,” Allen said. “I think he’s really come in and picked up the offense. Pass protection is another area where I think he’s maybe a little bit better than I gave him credit for. And then he’s a guy that can be an asset for us in special teams.”

Goodson is battling second-year pro Taiwan Jones for the job as Darren McFadden’s primary backup, a role that Michael Bush filled before signing this year with Chicago as a free agent.

Goodson has made a handful of impressive runs during padded practices and has taken well to the zone blocking scheme that new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp has installed.

“I like the offense,” Goodson said. “Knapp’s got us running, man, the one-cut-and-go. I love it. As a guy with speed, you can make cuts and just get up the field and run.”

Goodson was stuck behind both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart at Carolina. He said he “definitely” welcomed the trade to Oakland because he’ll have a better chance to play.

McFadden will get the majority of carries, but Goodson said all three running backs bring something to the offense.

“I think we’re all kind of unique,” Goodson said. “I Iike to catch the ball out of the backfield a lot. I think Darren, man, he’s just an athlete. He can catch the ball, he can run between the tackles. He can do it all.”

And Jones?

“Lightning speed,” Goodson said. “He is fast. You see him run, it’s like … choo, choo, choo.”

Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLOAK.