The Las Vegas Raiders‘ wide receiver room is among the most talked about, given that they didn’t draft a potential No. 1 guy to pair with No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. Moreover, it wasn’t until the sixth round that the Silver and Black took former Oregon Ducks wideout, Malik Benson.
Nonetheless, the Raiders did sign Jalen Nailor in free agency. During his time with the Minnesota Vikings, Nailor was the No. 3 guy behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and now with Las Vegas, the wideout is ready to show that he can take on a bigger role.
In an April 29 article, The Athletic’s Sam Warren examined the team’s depth chart and dropped an interesting bit of information regarding the Raiders’ expectation for Nailor.
“The Raiders’ lack of attention to the receiver room during the draft surprised many (myself included),” Warren wrote. “On paper, this group looks like one of the league’s weakest.
“But the decision not to address the position until Benson’s sixth-round selection signifies a confidence inside the building. Las Vegas likes Nailor, formerly a third option with the Vikings, to take a big leap in a more featured role.”
Last season with the Vikings, Nailor posted a 66.3 overall PFF grade, ranking 54th among 81 qualified wide receivers. His PFF receiving grade of 67.1 ranked 54th among 81 qualified wide receivers.
He hauled in 29 receptions on 49 targets for 444 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Moreover, Nailor averaged 15.3 yards per reception on the season.
Raiders’ Jalen Nailor Explains Decision to Leave Vikings
In a recent interview with Raiders columnist Paul Gutierrez, Nailor, who played high school football at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, explained his decision to leave the Vikings for the Raiders this offseason.
“Just the job that [Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak] has done throughout his whole career, and the guys that he has on his staff, it’s a very renowned coaching staff, and they have a lot of wisdom and experience behind them,” Nailor said in a March 13 video posted on the Raiders’ YouTube channel. “That played a major role, and I just love what Kubiak does with his offense.”
Moreover, after being the No. 3 guy behind the guy in Minnesota, it appears Nailor is ready for a bigger leadership and on-field impact role.
“I think I fit great here,” Nailor added. “To be a veteran type of guy in the receiver room and just the type of player I am, I know that I can make an impact for this organization. I’m ready to make it happen.”
Jalen Nailor Ready to Apply What He Learned in Minnesota
Nailor also shared what he learned from Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison during his time with the Vikings as he embarks to be a leader in his own right with the Raiders.
“Just the way these guys work day in and day out, the route tricks they have and the sauce they put into their routes, finishing after the catch, everything,” Nailor added. “Those are two great guys, and I’m glad I was able to spend four years with Justin and three with Jordan.
“I wish nothing but the best for them, and I’ve picked up a couple tricks from them that I’ve been trying to work on and implement into my game to advance myself.”
Raiders Insider Shares Clear Expectation for Jalen Nailor After Vikings Exit