Raiders: ‘Some tough decisions’ ahead as wideout depth is as strong as it’s ever been
Mike Glennon foresees a fierce Raiders position competition unfolding over the next several weeks.
Glennon himself is competing with Nathan Peterman for the Raiders’ backupquarterback job. But in this case, he was referencing the team’s receiver group.
“It’s a deep group,” Glennon said Saturday night. “There are going to be some tough decisions to be made.”
The Raiders’ 143 win in their preseason opener against the Rams gave an encouraging glimpse of their overhauled receiver position — even with Antonio Brown absent
and Tyrell Williams held out of the game.
On the Raiders’ fourth play from scrimmage, Glennon lofted a deep pass up the sideline for J.J. Nelson, who reached over cornerback Dominique Hatfield to make a 38yard catch. Nelson has made similar grabs in training camp, using his speed to beat the defensive backs.
“He’s a guy that can absolutely run,” Glennon said of Nelson. “I was with him in Arizona, and I knew he could go get it.”
Nelson, who has averaged 17.8 yards per catch in his fouryear career, said early in camp that he wants to shed the label of being solely a deepplay receiver. In Brown’s absence, Nelson has taken reps with the firstteam offense, lining up both outside and in the slot, and has been a frequent target of Derek Carr, who recently lauded Nelson’s ability to run short and intermediate routes.
Rookie Hunter Renfrow lately has been a fixture as the firstteam slot receiver. Ryan Grant was expected to compete for that job but has had a quiet start to camp and sustained a back contusion in practice last week against the Rams.
On Saturday, though, Grant had three catches on four targets for 32 yards, including an 18yarder from Glennon. Afterward, head coach Jon Gruden said Grant needs to “stay healthy” to have a shot at a roster spot but praised Grant’s ability.
“I think he’s a really good player,” Gruden said. “He’s versatile, he’s quiet, can’t get two words out of him. But he made a lot of plays against the Rams in the first practice before he got hurt. And he’s really put himself in position here to be a contributor the last week of practice.”
Gruden also complimented undrafted rookie Keelan Doss, the Alameda High and UC Davis alum, who caught a 3yard touchdown pass from Peterman.
“He’s playing three positions, I don’t know if people know that,” Gruden said. “That’s a credit to him. He’s a smart guy, versatile. He can help us in the kicking game, and he’s playing himself in a position here to maybe make the team. He’s doing well.”
Doss, who led all Division I players in receiving yards per game in 2017, said he played multiple positions in college “just to give me the best opportunity to get open.” He said his touchdown, which came in front of a large contingent of family and friends, was “just a cool moment — and hopefully one I’ll get to experience more often.”
The Raiders, who carried six receivers on their Week 1 roster last season, have 12 in camp. That includes Dwayne Harris, the return specialist who did not play in Saturday’s game. Gruden has said he will be tough to unseat as the primary kick and punt returner.
Keon Hatcher, meanwhile, had a teamhigh 45 yards on two catches Saturday. Marcell Ateman, the seventhround pick from 2018, added a 19yard reception.
“We’ve got guys that can flatout fly out there,” Peterman said. “It’s pretty exciting for me and Mike and Derek and everyone to be able to have that stable of receivers.”
Said Glennon: “I think a lot of guys put some good tape out there (Saturday). I’m sure that’s a good problem to have.”
As for Brown, the Athletic reported Sunday the receiver has warned the NFL he would hold the league accountable if he sustained a head injury this season while wearing a mandated helmet.
Brown filed a grievance against the NFL over a rule prohibiting him from wearing his preferred helmet and reportedly argued his case on a conference call Friday. He has been away from the Raiders while also dealing with a foot injury, reported to be frostbite.
Gruden said Saturday night the Raiders are “supporting” Brown on both issues.