The Las Vegas Raiders‘ wideout situation has been a talking point for the national football media. Many believe the Silver and Black have done enough to improve the team, whether through free agency, trades, or the draft.
Nonetheless, via free agency, the Raiders did sign Jalen Nailor, who was the Minnesota Vikings‘ WR3 behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. As a result, Las Vegas is banking on Nailor being a more impactful player with a bigger role with the Raiders.
Moreover, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay is buying into that possibility, listing Nailor as one of the five underrated players who will surprise their new team this upcoming 2026 NFL season.
“Jalen Nailor is poised to break out in a big way this coming season,” Kay wrote in his May 6 article. “The wideout finally has a chance to shine now that he’s escaped the large shadow cast by the Minnesota Vikings’ dynamic duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
“During his first four seasons in the NFL, Nailor only caught 69 balls for 1,066 yards. While he reeled in a solid 11 touchdowns over that span, Nailor projects to see far more volume and play a much larger role now that he’s with the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Vegas scooped Nailor off the open market with a three-year, $35 million contract that could soon be remembered as one of the best value signings of the year. While Nailor’s previous production may not warrant an eight-figure annual salary, the 2022 sixth-rounder’s upside and potential as a focal point in a Fernando Mendoza-led passing attack are worth the investment.”
Jalen Nailor’s Traits That Could Translate Over to Las Vegas
Last season with the Vikings, Nailor posted a 66.3 overall PFF grade, hauling in 29 receptions on 49 targets for 444 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Nailor also generated 114 yards after the catch and only had one dropped pass during the season.
Moreover, Kay highlighted certain traits Nailor brings to the field that will transition to the Raiders and could allow him to have a significant impact as a No. 2 receiver in the league.
“While the 5’11”, 199-pound pass-catcher isn’t going to dominate with physicality, Nailor is a speedster with great hands who can turn any reception into a big gain,” Kay wroted. “He’s averaging 15.4 yards per reception for his career and had just one drop on 53 targets last season.
“Given Nailor’s athleticism and his ability to line up both outside and in the slot, new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak won’t have much trouble scheming up ways to get Nailor the ball in space. Expect him to quickly emerge as one of Mendoza’s favorite targets and a key playmaker in Vegas’ new-look offense.”
Raiders’ Expectation for Jalen Nailor in 2026
Nonetheless, Kay isn’t the only one expecting Nailor to have a major season. The Raiders are also hoping that, with a bigger role, his production jumps. 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’ expectations 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.”
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