Oakland Raiders: Revisiting the 2018 NFL Draft class

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 09: Arden Key #99 of the Oakland Raiders puts the pass pressure on quarterback Joshua Dobbs #5 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Key and Nelson

Two players who figure to continue to build on their role within the organization in 2019 are defensive end Arden Key, and cornerback Nick Nelson. Key was taken with the No. 87 overall pick in the third round, while Nelson was selected 23 picks later, as the No. 11 overall selection in round No. 4.

As rookies, the two players took two very different directions, as Key was forced to be a starter when Khalil Mack was traded before the season, and Bruce Irvin really underachieved. Key showed flashes that he could become a solid sack guy off the edge, and in 2019, he may be moved to more of a situational role on passing downs as he continues to put on weight.

Nelson battled injuries early on as a rookie, and did not make his NFL debut until the seventh game of the season. He would go on to play in ten games, starting three, while showing that he has the talent to be a solid cover corner at the NFL level.

Oakland has brought in a bunch of bodies for the secondary in 2019, so it will be interesting to see where Nelson stands once the summer comes. The Raiders suddenly have a ton of talent at the cornerback position, but Nelson should not be forgotten.

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