The Oakland Raiders wideout group will have a brand new look in 2019, especially after signing J.J. Nelson in free agency last week.
Free agency has been a very productive outing for the Oakland Raiders. The main emphasis has been to provide quarterback Derek Carr with a strong supporting cast. Regardless of the quarterback situation, the Raiders needed to upgrade at receiver and tackle positions.
The team’s most recent signing fills the hole left by veteran wideout Jordy Nelson. In fact, this signing almost replicates Nelson’s spot on the team.
Well not really, it’s solely because of the last name if your scrolling through the depth chart. The Raiders brought on former Arizona Cardinals receiver J.J. Nelson. This is another vertical threat added to receiving arsenal.
Last season, the Raiders were desperate for a deep target. Although it was nearly impossible to even go deep considering the amount of pressure Derek Carr saw. Nelson is a nice addition to the team to give the receiving corps a younger face and to maintain the depth.
Contract Details
According to Over the Cap, J.J. nelson signed a one year contract with the Raiders worth $1 million. $75,000 of the contract is guaranteed. It’s a measly contract, but one that is of value because of how he will be used. Nelson is likely just a one stop player in 2019 and that is if he makes the final cut in preseason.
National Reaction
#Raiders have signed WR JJ Nelson. A day after releasing Jordy Nelson (no relation)
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) March 15, 2019
New #Raiders WR J.J. Nelson's (@_ThaJizzleMan) 4.28 40-yard dash at the 2015 NFL Combine was the fastest recorded 40 time that year and stands as the fifth-fastest time in combine history.#RaiderNation
— Evert Geerlings (@E_Geerlings) March 15, 2019
The Raiders have signed former Cardinals WR J.J. Nelson. Third wideout added by Oakland this week.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2019
Grade
The addition of J.J. Nelson keeps the theme of vertical threat receivers for the Oakland Raiders. Per Pro Football Focus, J.J. Nelson leads the NFL with a 19.3 yard career average depth of target since 2015 (Min. 100 attempts). Nelson could go beyond 20+ yards in a matter of a couple seconds.
Corners will be cautious to jam him at the line in case of a potential miss that will let him be wide open. He could even be used on a potential jet sweep since he has the speed. Just the motion in itself could help show a defenses hand.
His ability to get vertical and excel at it is impressive, however he isn’t good for anything else. He is mainly there for depth and to attempt to take the safety away on deep routes., which is sufficient for his role. It’ll be interesting to see if he lasts until the final cut if the Raiders do in fact draft a receiver in the first two rounds.