Oakland Raiders: Preseason Week 3 — Stock Up/Stock Down
By Nico Di Fede
Stock Up: Rico Gafford, WR
Rico Gafford had his second impressive game in a row with a four reception, 31-yard outing. His first reception came during the Raiders second offensive possession. Gafford ran a curl route and caught it for 11 yards and a first down.
His second catch came on the following play, once again on a curl route. This one he showed YAC ability breaking a tackle and showed his elite athleticism making his break on the curl at the drop of a dime — too fast for the corner to have reacted in time.
Gafford’s third reception came on the Raiders next offensive possession, which was a six-yarder. His fourth was on a quick inside slant that he took for six yards once again.
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Gafford kind of disappeared in the second half although he did beat his man on a streak route down the left sideline. Unfortunately, he couldn’t come up with the catch. It was overthrown but he got his hands on it and should have hauled it in.
He made up for that drop with a fumble recovery following a 26-yard gain on a catch by wide receiver Keon Hatcher which put the Raiders into field goal position allowing them to run the clock out the next couple plays and put the nail in the coffin.
If he did not recover that ball, the Raiders lose the game.
Gafford isn’t likely to make the 53-man roster as the receiving core seems to be the deepest position on the whole team.
Still, Gafford’s speed is impressive as he allegedly clocked in a 4.19 40-yard dash at his pro day in Wyoming. As far as I know, that would be the fastest in the league, though his official time was clocked in at 4.26 which is still the elite of the elite when it comes to speed.
Next. Oakland Raiders: Top 3 standouts from the third preseason game. dark
Gafford will likely make the practice squad and should have a good chance at making the active roster next season especially if he gets even better over the year as he should.