ALAMEDA — Scan the Raiders roster and there’s a lot of good, young talent. But it’s thin on veterans.

That’s where 32-year-old safety Reggie Nelson comes into play. Nelson’s entering his 10th season, but his first with the Raiders after spending the past six years in Cincinnati. That didn’t stop him from being announced recently as one of the team’s four captains.

“To be voted amongst your peers, that’s a great thing,” Nelson said Wednesday as the Raiders held their first practice of the regular season in preparation of Sunday’s opener against the New Orleans Saints.

The captains were voted upon by the players and Nelson was joined by third-year stars Khalil Mack and Derek Carr and veteran center Rodney Hudson.

Coach Jack Del Rio cited the influence Nelson has over the fellow defensive backs as a major reason he was selected in his first season in Oakland.

“He’s got a calming demeanor about him,” Del Rio said. “Really professional in the meetings and in practices and taking charge and making guys accountable and making guys want to communicate with each other.”

Rookie safety Karl Joseph has quickly latched on to Nelson.

“He’s always there trying to give me insights,” Joseph said. “He’s been in the game for a while so he’s always giving me the stuff he’s learned over the years.”

Raiders cornerback David Amerson said the instant respect Nelson gained in the locker room made him a natural captain.

“From day one, guys just gave him respect off the gate and he came here and brought all positives to the defense,” Amerson said. “He’s out there communicating all the time. A veteran back there, always in the right spot, always trying to align people up, helping people out in they forget something.”

Nelson downplayed that aspect of his job, noting that he’s a new guy who needs help himself at times.

“It’s not me being there for them,” he said. “They’ve got to be there for me too. It’s a team game, you’ve got to expect everybody to do their job.”

Carr heaped high praise for the player that, at least in terms of his position, has taken over for future Hall of Fame defensive back Charles Woodson.

“If you had to replace Charles Woodson, he’s the guy you’d want to do it with,” Carr said.

Nelson quickly dismissed that.

“I just try to be Reggie, man,” he said. “You can’t replace a guy like Charles. … Charles is his own guy. That’s what I’m trying to do, be my own guy and lead this group.”

And lead he has, said Carr, who is grateful he won’t have to square off against Nelson, who tied for the NFL lead with eight interceptions last season.

“He is someone that is a leader on and off the field,” Carr said. “He has no problem getting in anybody’s face on the field, while at the same time, two seconds later those same guys will listen to him and joke. That’s a fine line that’s hard to get and he has that. On top of all that, he’s a really good football player.”