NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Oakland Raiders: Jon Gruden’s offseason hits and misses

By Maurice Moton

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden speaks during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden speaks during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 9
Next
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 26: Wide receiver Jordy Nelson #87 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before a Preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 26, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 26: Wide receiver Jordy Nelson #87 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before a Preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 26, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Hit: Replacing Michael Crabtree with Jordy Nelson

The unpopular decision doesn’t bring widespread cheers from the fans. However, it could help a 6-10 football team. This particular move falls into that category. When looking at Raiders highlights, you’ll see wideout Michael Crabtree’s game-winning touchdowns. Most recently, he capped a Thursday Night Football thriller against the Kansas City Chiefs.

He lists as the most productive Raiders receiver since joining the team during the 2015 offseason. So, why’s this move a hit?

When digging deeper into efficiency, wideout Jordy Nelson holds a significant edge. Over the past couple of seasons, he didn’t drop passes often:

By the numbers, Nelson has more reliable hands than Crabtree. Those who’ve watched Raider games can’t deny he’s also let some easy receptions hit the ground at times.

When you add his ongoing saga with cornerback Aqib Talib to the equation and a minor rift with Carr during the season, per The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, there’s justifiable context to the wide receiver swap:

"Crabtree and Carr were extremely close the receiver’s first two years on the Raiders, and last year things did cool off a little. There was even a point last season where they were not talking to each other. But that was probably due to the overall dumpster fire that was the Raiders’ 6-10 season, and the two seem on the same page now."

Nelson joins the team as a slightly older receiver than Crabtree, but he’s not going to leave many catchable passes on the ground.

The 32-year old suffered an ACL injury in 2015 then returned to lead the league in touchdown receptions with 14 during the 2016 campaign. He earned the Comeback Player of the Year honor in that season.

Next: Oakland Raiders: Latest 2018 NFL Draft rumors you need to know

Last year, along with DeAndre Hopkins, Nelson led the NFL in touchdown receptions with six before quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with a collarbone injury. With a quality signal-caller under center, the Pro Bowl wideout remains effective as a reliable pass-catcher. It’s one thing to miss Crabtree’s game-winning catches, but if you’re sleeping on Nelson, it’s time to wake up.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders