Veteran wide receiver Nelson Agholor is experiencing rejuvenation since joining the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. The receiver once known for drops in Philadelphia has been more than just sure-handed for the Silver and Black. Agholor has been one of the most valuable players on the team.
What Drops?
Nelson Agholor had more than his fair share of inopportune drops during his first five years in the NFL as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
4th & 10, Wentz heaves it to Nelson Agholor who NEARLY comes down with it in the back of the end zone. But he doesn't, which gives the #Patriots the ball back with :58 seconds left in the game. pic.twitter.com/0Ug6VoDZtb
— Devon Clements (@DevclemNFL) November 18, 2019
However, since joining the Raiders, Agholor has had zero dropped passes in five games. As a matter of fact, the former USC Trojan has made some tough catches as a member of the Silver and Black.
Nice design. Renfrow goes in motion, LBs shift. Quick play-action to Jacobs to draw LBs up, Agholor runs cross into vacated area. Agholor becoming a factor on Raiders offense.#Raiders #Raidernation pic.twitter.com/2X37i6gjuE
— Ryan Holmes, MBA (@Rholm22) October 6, 2020
Not only has Nelson made tough catches in traffic, he has also won 50/50 balls in the end-zone.
Derek Carr dimes Nelson Agholor for the TD 🎯
(via @Raiders)pic.twitter.com/K1GExrFfLT
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 13, 2020
His ability to gain separation is exactly the reason why Las Vegas signed him in free agency this past offseason.
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Nelson Agholor is a perfect fit for what the Raiders do on offense
Out of the Las Vegas wide receivers that have appeared in all five games this season, Agholor leads the group with 18.5 yards per reception. He is a gifted athlete that combines precise route running with dynamic explosiveness after the catch as seen below.
https://twitter.com/Errickson_NFL/status/1308601580674056192
In fact, this past Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Jon Gruden dialed up a play for him in the second quarter when the team was down 14-3. As a result, it prevented the game from getting out of hand. Quarterback Derek Carr connected with the 27-year old veteran for his third receiving touchdown on the season. His three touchdown receptions are most on the team.
When you give enough time for an offense you can break any defense. Nelson Agholor scores on deep cross and it’s time that puts Agholor in a favorable position to break the #Chiefs coverage. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/csdauUTLI7
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) October 12, 2020
As the Silver and Black enter the bye week, Agholor has proven to be the Raiders best free-agent signing in 2020. For a player that was once verbally crucified in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’, he has found new life in the the desert.
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Top Photo by Charlie Riedel/Associated Press