[ad_1]
ALAMEDA – The Raiders used two trades of the day NFL to try to strengthen their body of receivers.
Jon Gruden traded a third-round pick in Pittsburgh on the first day of the amateur selection to acquire a deep but difficult threat for Martavis Bryant. He executed another agreement a few minutes after the end of the draft, sending Jihad Ward to Dallas for Ryan Switzer.
Bryant gave Gruden the ideal speed and size. Switzer gave them an illusion and feats of the slot. By adding them to a group including Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson and speedster / return specialist Dwayne Harris seemed to form a well-rounded group with varied skills.
Gruden had a man for every job. If only the additions worked.
Switzer started out strong but dropped midway through training camp and ended up being traded (again!) Against the Steelers on Aug. 27 for a sixth-round pick.
Bryant did not last much longer. He was cut on September 1st and could be suspended (again!) As a repeat offender of the NFL's Addiction Policy. Gruden says that Bryant was cut for various reasons, because the Clemson product had a hard time learning the offense, missed practices and took his job by Keon Hatcher.
Cooper and Nelson were stuck in the starting lineup. And, despite several tries on third place and in the slot, Seth Roberts kept his job.
Roberts has been the main receiver of the team over the past two seasons, known for both the clutch game and for many, far too many losses. This was somewhat surprising after Roberts passed the preseason either with lower units or with lower units.
"He's our starting" F "receiver," said Gruden. "He always plays games in practice, and someone we can rely on."
It will be the first option on the bench in two-receiver sets. Hatcher, Harris (mainly a return specialist) and Brandon LaFell complete the team. LaFell embarked on Monday and his arrival cost Johnny Holton his return.
LaFell is a ninth-year veteran who has spent the last two years with the Bengals. He did a little bit of everything in his career, even though he has some catching up to learn from Gruden's attack.
"He played many roles and played well when he played. Physical guy, "said Gruden. "We think that he can come and get ready quickly to make his contribution. He has the size we like, he is an excellent blocker, high level player, detailed, professional. It will give us the versatility and depth we need. "
Hatcher will play special teams and will be a reserve at each location. He earned a spot after a strong camp and an explosive final where he scored three touchdowns. He is a smooth runner with reliable hands and a penchant for spectacular shots.
While the back of the receiver's depth chart has been in almost constant flux, the first two have not changed.
Cooper will be the main weapon of the passing game, a dynamic player able to do everything right. Recognized as an excellent road racer, Cooper focused on scoring the ball and seeing the ball in his hands.
He is a little bigger and stronger in the hope of maintaining a physical game against him and staying healthy all season. He will move in some cases, playing more in the niche than he did last year. A return trip could help a particular road runner to break free.
"Coop has it all," said Hatcher. "He's doing everything right, and I think he's good enough to take control of the league."
Everyone benefits from Nelson's presence. Cooper has evolved mostly from his advice, particularly the hard work that has allowed Nelson Aaron Rodgers to dedicate himself to his craft for nearly a decade in Green Bay.
"Jordy is a bit like me because he does not talk too much but when he does, it's always something very important," Cooper said. "My ears get up when he says something in the meeting room.
"He always tries to give advice and discuss what they did in Green Bay. They were really explosive in attack. Whenever he speaks, I listen. It always makes sense, and I'm always adjusting to the things he tells me because I know it's good. "
The preseason group looked good on paper, but it did not succeed. Gruden likes specific types of receivers and he has chosen a team to work with Carr. Monday's match against a talented Rams side will be a litmus test for the receiver's body, Nelson can find an old form, Cooper is a dominant presence under Gruden and Roberts can finally find and the other one contributes.
Source link
