Nick

Nelson

A 2018 fourth-rounder, Nelson appeared in just two games last season. He never really seemed to get on the same page as coach Jon Gruden and his staff. Nelson has primarily played slot corner in the NFL.

Nelson (5’11/200) turned pro as a redshirt junior after starting his first two years at Hawaii and final season in Madison, where Nelson led the nation in pass breakups (21) and earned first-team All-Big Ten. Nelson never posted an interception in his college career, however, and ran 4.52 at the Combine. He then tore his meniscus during a pre-draft private workout with the Lions. Nelson is a candidate to “redshirt” his rookie year.

Nelson tore his meniscus in a pre-draft workout with the Lions and missed the offseason program. He’s now 100 percent and is competing with veteran DB Marcus Gilchrist for the nickel corner job in a Raiders secondary that is desperate for improved coverage. Nelson never picked off a pass in college but did lead the Big Ten in pass breakups. He could see important snaps early.

Nelson (5’11/200) turned pro as a redshirt junior after starting his first two years at Hawaii and final season in Madison, where Nelson led the nation in pass breakups (21) and earned first-team All-Big Ten. Nelson never posted an interception in his college career, however, and ran 4.52 at the Combine. He then tore his meniscus during a pre-draft private workout with the Lions. Nelson is a candidate to “redshirt” his rookie year.

This comes on the heels of DE Kentavius Street tearing his ACL in a workout with a team, and it’s unfortunate these things happen. Nelson should be ready for the season but is going to miss the bulk of the offseason program. He was expected to be a mid-round pick in this month’s upcoming draft.

A full repair would have kept Nelson out 3-4 months, but the trim could allow him to return in six weeks, meaning he should be able to participate in the bulk of OTAs. Before the injury, Nelson was expected to be a mid-round pick.