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Oakland Raiders: 5 Key roster battles to watch during 2019 preseason

By Maurice Moton

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 28: Daryl Worley #20 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after stopping the Indianapolis Colts in the red zone during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 28: Daryl Worley #20 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after stopping the Indianapolis Colts in the red zone during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Clemson Tigers makes the catch against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Clemson Tigers makes the catch against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver

Contenders: Ryan Grant, Hunter Renfrow, J.J. Nelson

Brown’s absence from training camp has allowed the Raiders to take a closer look at their second, third and fourth options at wide receiver. While Ryan Grant hasn’t produced many highlight moments in Napa, California, J.J. Nelson and Hunter Renfrow have flashed at practices.

So far, Renfrow has put together an impressive offseason. Defensive back Lamarcus Joyner talked about what makes the rookie fifth-rounder a special talent, per Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News.

“Joyner said Renfrow has an innate ability to set up defenders by using leverage to find open areas and making them think he’s going vertical or going out and able to stop on a dime and come back in real quick,” McDonald wrote.

During Thursday’s joint practice, Renfrow ran a crisp route and gained separation on Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, leaped and high-pointed the ball for a touchdown—the Raiders Twitter handle captured the moment:

https://twitter.com/Raiders/status/1159544724656517120

Head coach Jon Gruden loves to see versatility in his wide receivers, and Nelson checked that box. “Every day, if you look at the film, Nelson is making big plays deep and Derek likes him and I think that’s something we’re going to continue to probe,” he told reporters.

Nelson can stretch defenses vertically, but he must show consistency in catching the football. He averaged 17.8 yards per reception in four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals but logged a 44.8 percent catch rate. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the 27-year old has dropped 15 passes — 13 between the 2016-17 campaigns.

If Nelson shows more of his big-play ability during the preseason, he could fill the No. 3 spot on the depth chart. The Raiders can also use him on gadget plays; the 5-10, 160-pound wideout has 12 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown in his career.

Renfrow made a strong impression during organized team activities, and his buzz has only grown through the summer. He seems like the guy to win the job.

Prediction: Hunter Renfrow

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