During the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders made the big splash acquiring veteran wide receiver Martavis Bryant from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade. It has added another viable threat to their passing game that could help make for an even more formidable offense.
Head coach Jon Gruden has spoken quite highly of Bryant since he was acquired with his most recent praise stating that the former Clemson product adds a new element to the Raiders' passing attack, according to Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area.
“Let me tell you, he brings a different dynamic,’ Gruden said.” He’s 6-foot-4 and he plays it. He’s 4.4- (second 40-yard dash) fast and he plays it. We just have to get him wired into the offense and Jordy Nelson’s experience and versatility has really been impressive that it’s allowed us to do some things in just a few days that is pretty cool. We like our receivers, and we think Martavis will make you think twice about doing some things.”
Throughout his NFL career, Bryant has proven to be a game-changing talent with his ability to stretch the field with his speed that allows him to be a legitimate deep-ball threat. He has shown that in his first three years by recording more than 500 receiving yards in each year while hauling 17 total touchdowns during that stretch.
In his first campaign back from a one-year suspension due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy, Bryant strung together a productive campaign by recording 50 catches on 84 targets for 603 receiving yards with three touchdowns. This included posting six games with at least four catches while topping 60 receiving yards on three occasions. He could bring that same level of production and impact in Oakland alongside Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson that could open up the field in the passing game for other opportunities to make big plays.
If there is anything to take away from Gruden's comments is that the team has some huge plans for Bryant to be a significant factor in the offense in 2018.
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