Some Las Vegas Raiders players have been gathering to practice ahead of the 2020 NFL season. Based on a social media post, a former wide receiver will be joining them to work out.Â
The Raiders are one of the youngest teams in the league because of their draft additions in the past two years. Players drafted in 2019, such as defensive end Maxx Crosby, running back Josh Jacobs, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and tight end Foster Moreau, figure to be part of the team’s plans for years to come. This past draft was no different, and the Raiders selected wide receivers Henry Ruggs III and cornerback Damon Arnette to name a few. Although all of them have the physical tools to excel, they might need veteran mentorship to max out their potential.
In the offseason, the Raiders signed veteran tight end Jeff Heath and cornerback Prince Amukamara. Even if they aren’t currently top performers at their respective position, they have their share of experience. Besides physical prowess, Heath and Amukamara have stayed in the NFL for so long because they know how the game is played. There’s no doubt they can teach the young Raiders players a thing or two.
In their search for veteran guidance, the Raiders have looked outside the team for help. Recently, former Bengals and New England wide receiver Chad Johnson took to Twitter to share his upcoming plans.
Getting ready for a workout with the @Raiders 🈠pic.twitter.com/0Jrs1uoFNP
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) July 7, 2020
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Based on an online interaction, it seems like Johnson frog leaped the Raiders’ front office and PR department. It’s possible the former wide receiver has been in direct contact with players. After all, they have been organizing their own workouts at a local park in Las Vegas, so it makes sense the team’s brass wasn’t aware of Johnson’s participation.
Of course he didn’t know, i just informed them I’m showing up to camp on my own…. https://t.co/uDPo1B7nHJ
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) July 7, 2020
Regardless of who organized Johnson’s visit, young Raiders players can learn plenty from him. Johnson was never the fastest or most physical player at the position. However, his route running was second to none. The former wide receiver finished his NFL career with 766 catches for 11, 059 yards, 67 touchdowns, three first-team All-Pro designations and six Pro Bowl selections. Moreover, he played 11 seasons and was part of the Patriots team that reached the Super Bowl (and then lost) back in 2011.
Clearly, Ruggs, Renfrow, and Bryan Edwards have what it takes to play the position. Johnson can and should help all of them get their game to the next level.
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Top Photo: Charles Krupa/Associated Press
All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference