Las Vegas Raiders: Midseason Awards at the halfway point of 2020
Las Vegas Raiders: Midseason Awards at the halfway point of 2020
Comeback Player of the First Half – WR Nelson Agholor
What an incredible signing Nelson Agholor has been for the Las Vegas Raiders. Seen by many as a depth signing in the offseason, Agholor has burst on to the scene for the Raiders and has grabbed a starting spot with both hands since rookie Bryan Edwards went down with injury.
Edwards is making his way back to the lineup but Agholor has a firmer grasp on that starting role than he has had on any of his touchdowns this season. The veteran receiver has been a godsend for Derek Carr and has been an incredible deep threat for the Silver and Black.
Midway through the season, Agholor is fourth on the team with 17 receptions, is third on the team with 347 yards, and leads the team with 5 touchdown receptions. His 20.4 yards per reception is second on the team behind Henry Ruggs who has 7 seven fewer receptions but is leading the team in yards per touch.
The former Philadelphia Eagle has just one drop so far this season and is averaging career highs in yards per reception, yards per target, and average depth of target. He has helped the Raiders offense stretch the field and has been even more impactful than the speedy Ruggs on the deep ball.
His emergence as one of Derek Carr’s favorite targets has been a welcome surprise on this offense and if he continues to play at this level he may sneak in to the Raiders’ offensive player of the year conversation and earn himself a long-term deal.
At just 27-years-old it feels like Agholor has been around the NFL for forever but he is still just entering the prime of his career and the Raiders have found a true diamond in the rough.