There are hardly any mock drafts that don’t have the Raiders using one of their two first-round draft picks on a wide receiver. A case can be made, however, that head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock just might use both of those selections on receivers. It would make perfect sense, too. For
Compelling case for Raiders snaring two wide receivers in first round of draft
I could see the Raiders drafting two receivers in the first draft, easy! Especially since they re-jiggered the defense through free agency. But, isn’t the argument that this WR class is deep sort of contradict the theory that they should use both of their first round picks on a receiver? Even if the team trades down from 19.
I think Mayock will look to get one or more picks in the second and snare a receiver in that round or round 3.
Great point, Michelle, about it making sense not to use both first-round picks on receivers in a draft so deep in receiver. The reason it doesn’t make sense for the Raiders to take that approach is the fact that they don’t have any picks from No. 20-79. So, the receiving prospects will be depleted by the time the Raiders pick at No. 80.
That’s why it would make sense to trade down once or twice from No. 19. That way, they could acquire a first-rounder and a second-rounder, perhaps, and use the first-rounder on a cornerback, say, and add the second receiver in the second round. Make sense? Great feedback, as usual. Thanks — Cork
I like the sound of the trade down option, especially if we could keep a low pick in round 1 and gain a second rounder. No problem with our first pick being a WR (not saying which number that pick will be as we could trade down from either 12 or 19 – or both!) but I think we really need a quality outside corner to line up opposite Mullen. The depth at CB is nowhere near that of WR so we have to go high if we want starting quality.
No problem if our third pick is then the best available wideout but I dont want us to pick a slot guy as Renfrow has that covered – we need outside speed.
Indeed. Use No. 12 on a wide receiver, trade down with No. 19 for a late first-rounder, second-rounder and maybe even more, then take a cornerback with the late first-rounder and another receiver in the second round. Voila.
Agree with both Cork and Andy, take a WR at 12 (which probably means the team will take an OL, HaHa) and move down from 19 to get a second round pick. Maybe use two of the three third rounders for a later round second, too? Not sure that trade would be feasible, but . . . ?
Two WRs in the first round? Absolutely not. I think the pick is Jeudy at #12. Spoiler alert: Daniel Jeremiah is a friend of Mayocks and knows his preferences. I think Lamb is taken within 8-10 range, leaving Jeudy or Ruggs at #12.
WR isn’t the only position of need. CB is a huge hole.
Trade down from #19 and pick up a 2nd round pick.
Thanks for the reminder about the connection between Mayock and Jeremiah. Yes, there are tells to be had by reading Jeremiah’s mock drafts, though Mayock also could use Jeremiah to send out smokescreens. Works both ways.
And if you believe Mayock, he takes issue with picking a WR in the first round.
Reminds of that “rule” Kiper has of not taking a RB in the first round. Ever. “Experts”.
I don’t think any of the big 3 make it to 19. That would mean picking from Higgins, Pittman, Jefferson and others. I like Pittman but at 19 with other needs……
How about if we pick up #23 giving us 3 picks in the first round? Bill gets Carr and we get a 1st round pick? Some how getting a 3rd 1st rounder would give ample ammo toward getting two WRs and a CB. Or LB? Or S?
I have to think that Mayock is doing everything he can to trade down at 19. And I would not put it past him to trade back again, if he gets a 1st and second, or more, for #19. Working out preliminary deals early could be part of his key to success this draft. I am not worried one bit about his ability to scout players. Even with the lack of pro days and all that.
Not sure about Belichick wanting Derek Carr. If the Raiders pulled off that trade, it would be wise to do so before the draft or early on, so Gruden and Mayock could at least consider using two or three of their first-rounders on a quarterback.
Beyond that, yes, all signs point to Mayock wanting to trade down from No. 19, and he should, unless there’s a player available that he and Gruden didn’t expect to be there at No. 19 and they don’t want to pass on him.
I’m going to have to disagree with your premise Cork. We don’t need to draft 2 WR’s in the first round or in any combination of 1st/2nd to make our receiving corp playoff worthy. I believe we certainly need 1 solid upgrade – either the 12th, 19th, or lower. Williams is a quality WR. Renfro is quality in the slot. We have a stud TE that many teams would love to have. Looking closely thats really the reason why we can look to improve other areas in that we can create matchup issues with our TE’s. Let’s build ourselves a formidable D. Build depth that can withstand the injuries that will inevitably happen. Where was the stud WR’s the Patriots rolled out when they were winning their Super Bowls? I say we get a CB, another LB, if a stud DT falls grab him. Gruden should be able to gameplan an effective offense as long as he can rely on the D to hold teams down. Maybe I’m wrong but I’m still a believer in Defense and Special Teams being the cornerstone of a Super Bowl Team. We have Jacobs and Richard, a QB that can be solid given the tools. What we need is what we havent had in far too long.
Love honest, civil, constructive feedback, Ben. Don’t hold back. My response is, this isn’t about need. Yes, the Raiders don’t need to draft two receivers in the first round or within the first three rounds, but with Tyrell Williams a likely cap casualty in 2021 and no one else currently on the roster talented enough to be a No. 1 or No. 2, it would be a sound decision by Gruden and Mayock to be proactive while there are so many top-notch receiving prospects available and snag two right now. If they end up with only one, I agree, they still have enough talent to make the playoffs, especially with there being seven teams that qualify next season, but this is about winning the Super Bowl. Hence, they need more help than just Jerry Jeudy, say. Thanks, Ben. — Cork
I would like to see two WR in the 1st round. The Raiders have finished in the top 5 in dropped passes since 2014.