Oakland Raiders: Reduced, more effective role for Reggie Nelson?
Despite a disappointing 2017 campaign, Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther sees a fit for safety Reggie Nelson in his scheme.
The Oakland Raiders decision to sign safety Reggie Nelson drew widespread criticism after his rough 2017 campaign. Many asked why? Does he fit in defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s defense?
The 34-year-old finished with five pass breakups and one interception through 16 games. Oftentimes, he trailed receivers in coverage. It seemed as though he lost a step or two. Head coach Jon Gruden’s decision to hire Guenther may have extended Nelson’s career in Oakland.
The 12th-year veteran spent the 2010-15 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Guenther served as a linebackers and special teams coach as well as a defensive coordinator during that period. It’s no surprise the Raiders new play-caller favors someone who knows his scheme, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic:
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"Reggie knows our system inside and out,” he said. “Reggie is the kind of guy if you tell him what to do and how to do it, he is going to do it exactly how you want him to do it. If there is any gray area in there, then maybe he is not going to be as effective."
Among the Raiders safeties, Nelson holds an advantage in projected scheme fit. It’s also a pathway for a roster spot in September. If Obi Melifonwu flashed through the early portion of the offseason program, the former Bengal would likely find himself in a tougher battle for a space on the depth chart.
Furthermore, Guenther doesn’t plan to utilize defenders in the same fashion compared to last year, per Tafur:
“Reggie played 99 percent of the snaps last year,” Guenther said. “We’re not going to have guys playing 99 percent of the snaps. Your goal is to play in this package or that package.”
Expect the Raiders to use Nelson, Karl Joseph and Marcus Gilchrist, who stood out during early practices through the spring. Melifonwu still needs to make a good impression on the staff before his role is defined. There’s enough film on the other three to mix and match coverages based on the opponent’s approach.
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It’s not the most intriguing aspect to watch out for, but Nelson could potentially see a bounce-back year under Guenther. He’s not going to log 1,000-plus snaps but strategically placing the veteran in spots could pay dividends. His familiarity with the system will also allow him to make adjustments on the back end.
Nelson isn’t a lock to make the 53-man roster. However, unless he struggles through August, there’s a spot for him on a defense he’s been accustomed in recent years.