Oakland Raiders: 5 Training camp standouts for 2018
By Randy Gurzi
2. Jordy Nelson, Wide Receiver
We go right back to that crowded wide receiver position and this time we look at the veteran Jordy Nelson. He was recently cut by the Green Bay Packers after spending 10 seasons there. He was the favorite target of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and has 550 career receptions.
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When released, Rodgers was outspoken about his disappointment. Sure, Nelson had a down season in 2017, but Rodgers — and the Raiders — don’t think that was definitive of who Nelson is as a player.
The veteran wideout was coming off a torn ACL and spent much of the season catching passes from Brett Hundley, who is a significant step below the caliber player that Rodgers is. For Oakland, they believe pairing Nelson with Carr will bring out some of his old play.
So far in camp that seems to be the case. Nelson is reportedly not only catching everything, but he’s still got the speed that made him so loved by Packers fans. Paul Gutierrez says that Nelson is still out there running better than most.
Raiders Camp Day 6 Play of the Day: If White Lightning has lost a step, it is one precious few had to begin with. Indeed, Jordy Nelson, entering his 11th NFL season has done more than flash at camp thus far, Wednesday, he showed his quicks on a... https://t.co/m0i1Qp3bdW
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) August 1, 2018
This is great news for a team that did gamble some in not only taking Nelson but releasing veteran Michael Crabtree to make room for him. While Crabtree isn’t a burner, he’s a reliable veteran who will do his job. Oakland took a shot here and it looks like it’s paying off.