On Friday, the Oakland Raiders added another receiver to the roster. The team signed receiver J.J. Nelson to a contract. Last season, Nelson played for the Arizona Cardinals.
Even more speed.
We have signed WR J.J. Nelson: https://t.co/13lfgDzGPY → @_ThaJizzleMan #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/l3EsvzxmQS
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) March 15, 2019
In 2018, Nelson caught only seven passes for 64 yards and was quickly phased out of the Cardinals offense. In his career, he has an average of 17.8 yards per reception, which is an outstanding average to have.
Welcome to the Raiders J.J. Nelson! @_ThaJizzleMan #RaiderNation💀 pic.twitter.com/mQVxs60dqs
— Kris Wysong (@KrisWysong) March 15, 2019
Nelson brings an actual deep threat to the Raiders roster after adding Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams. It looks like coach Jon Gruden wants to throw the ball downfield more this season.
Last year, Derek Carr only attempted 9.2 percent of 20-yard passes downfield. There were a lot of factors on why that happened, including injuries, no protection, receivers not getting open, and scared to take a chance with a new receiving core. Look for that number to go up some.
Nelson is a speedy receiver who ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the 2015 NFL Combine. Although he is fast, he does have shaky hands. Even with the shaky hands, Nelson is the deep threat the Raiders will need.
Now, it’s time for the Raiders to put up some points.
