Head Coach Jack Del Rio said all offseason that heading into 2016 the depth in the Raiders' secondary would be addressed through both the free agency and the draft, and the group received a big boost Thursday when the Silver and Black signed safety Reggie Nelson.
Nelson was tied for the league lead with eight interceptions last season, so get to know more about the newest ball hawk for the Silver and Black.
1. See The Ball, Catch The Ball
Nelson and Kansas City Chiefs' cornerback Marcus Peters each secured eight interceptions during the 2015 campaign, which led the league lead last season.
2. A Long Time Coming
In addition to his eight takeaways, he also recorded two fumble recoveries and 50 total tackles, and as a result, he was named to his first Pro Bowl at the end of the season.
3. Reuniting With A Familiar Face
After his career at the University of Florida came to an end, Nelson was selected in the first round (No. 21 overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos and then subsequently traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
His coach when he arrived in Jacksonville?
Head Coach Jack Del Rio, who he now reunites with nearly a decade later.
"I'm excited, man," Nelson said via conference call. "I was a different dude when they drafted me. I'm a veteran now, wiser. I'm just excited to see what he has going on in Oakland, and like I said, just be a part of that. I love Jack and I always have, so I'm just excited to be reunited with him."
4. He Knows How To Win
Nelson played his college football at the University of Florida and enjoyed a lot of success during his time in Gainesville.
He was named both a First-team All-SEC and Consensus All-American in 2006, won the Jack Tatum Trophy the same season, and was a member of the 2006 BCS National Championship team.
5. Gator Bait!
When he arrives in the Bay Area, Nelson won't be the only Gator in the Raiders' locker room.
He joins Andre Debose, Neiron Ball and Leon Orr as fellow members of the Orange and Blue.
