Oakland Raiders: Preseason Week 1 — Stock Up/Stock Down

Stock Up: J.J. Nelson, Ryan Grant, and Keon Hatcher, WR

I probably could have listed the whole receiver core because as a unit, they did great in this game. These three just stood out a little more than the others.

The receiver position was expected to have the toughest cuts to make on the team due to the increased depth and this game will probably make it even harder for the coaches to make their decisions on who to keep and who to cut.

J.J. Nelson only had two receptions, but one of those went for nearly 40 yards and was the perfect example of what the Raiders signed him for.

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Nelson went deep for a streak along the right sideline, he had his man beat but the ball was underthrown causing the speedster to slow down to track it. He jumped up and high-pointed the ball perfectly to reel it in over the corner. This could of went for six if not for the underthrow.

Nelson is known as a burner so the fact that he got open wasn’t surprising. But Nelson is a smaller receiver who isn’t known for catching it in traffic, nor is he known for having the best hands.

As such, it was a big play for the receiver fighting for a spot on the team coming off an unproductive year with the Arizona Cardinals.

Ryan Grant — who is looked at as J.J. Nelson’s biggest competition for a spot — finished the day with three receptions for 32 yards.

His best play came in the second quarter when he showed off great body control to adjust his body to the ball as well as keep his feet in bounds as he caught it right over the defender on the left sideline.

Grant is the complete opposite of Nelson when it comes to their skillsets so they can both make the team. But that would most likely require some of the younger receivers not stepping up despite doing so in this game.

The last receiver we could mention is second-year receiver Keon Hatcher. He lead the team in receiving yards with 45 on only two receptions. His best play came in the second quarter on a Sluggo route which he ran to perfection.

He beat his man but again, due to an underthrown ball from Mike Glennon, Hatcher had to adjust to the ball but was able to high-point it and take it in through contact.

Hatcher is a guy who’s on the dreaded roster bubble, so this was a great day for him. If he keeps it up he will probably at least earn a spot on the practice squad.