Las Vegas Raiders

Oakland Raiders announce 2016 captains

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Oakland Raiders announced four captains for the 2016 season at the Raiders Foundation Meet The Team Luncheon on Tuesday.

There was no major surprise as head coach Jack Del Rio listed quarterback Derek Carr, center Rodney Hudson, edge Khalil Mack, and safety Reggie Nelson as team captains on Tuesday.

At the Raiders Foundation Luncheon, @coachdelrio just announced the 2016 team captains: pic.twitter.com/8NsEVmdXDz

— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) September 6, 2016

Carr and Mack were obvious picks. Both players are the faces of the franchise for their respective sides of the ball. The two members of 2014 draft class also receive lots of credit for changing the culture of the team.

Hudson enters his second year with the team, after leaving the Kansas City Chiefs via free agency.

Last season, Hudson was one of the best centers in the league despite missing three games due to injury. That was probably the only thing that stopped him from having a Pro Bowl season.

Plus, the center is usually the leader on the offensive line as he is responsible for all of the offensive line calls. Hudson must also maintain a tight relationship with his quarterback and fellow captain Carr. Therefore, it is not a surprise that Hudson earned captain honors.

The biggest surprise came as Nelson was announced a captain. Even he was shocked.

“It’s very shocking, and surprising to get voted by your peers, especially with me just [getting] here, and trying to keep my head down, and lead the young guys, just lead by example,” said Nelson. “It’s been a great start, and I’m just trying to lead by example and be myself.” Nelson said.

Lots of reports indicate that Nelson has been proactive in taking younger defensive backs under his wing. Still, it is surprising that Nelson made an impression in one offseason program.

Oakland could have went with a more slightly-more tenured defensive player like Malcolm Smith, Dan Williams or Nate Allen. However, those players all seem to be on the downsides of their career.

Allen and Williams just played themselves into the starting lineup. Smith is only the starter because the Raiders lack a lot of talent at linebacker.

Otherwise, the Silver and Black could have elected Bruce Irvin or Sean Smith as a defensive captain. Like Nelson, Irvin and Smith were brought in via free agency. However, Irvin and Smith seem more comfortable as vocal guys in the media.

Versus Nelson, who leads by example. Nelson’s leading style meshes well with Khalil Mack who is not the most vocal player either.

Ultimately, the team made the right decision in naming their captains.