The Oakland Raiders will have plenty of cap space next offseason, but also, they will enter the 2020 NFL Draft class, which could be as deep as the 1996 one for wide receivers, with a surplus of picks.
A few names in that robust draft class were: Number one overall pick Keyshawn Johnson, Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens, Joe Horn, Terry Glenn, Amani Toomer, Muhsin Muhammad. That was a strong class, and this one, top to bottom, looks to match it.
Here are three receivers the Raiders should have their sights on in the first round:
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Jerry Jeudy, Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide standout has some of the quickest feet in all of college football. Jeudy is also one of the more complete route runners entering the draft. He is able to beat the press consistently and maintain separation. Jeudy in the open field has lightning speed and runs with a toughness that makes his 6’1 190 lb. frame tough to catch up to and a bigger problem to bring down.
CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooner product comes in as the focal point of arguably the most explosive offense in all of college football. Ever watch someone ride through rush hour traffic on a sport bike and seamlessly maneuver through bumper to bumper traffic without tapping the brakes? That is Lamb and his ability to make the tough catches, his ability to track, body control, high point. You name it, he can do it very well. One of the most complete receivers to come out of the draft with the possibilities endless for his NFL playing future.
Related: The Raiders Revolving Door at WR
Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado Buffaloes
A player that you may not hear about as often as the first two, but a physical monster nonetheless. Shenault isn’t from a perennial college football playoff team like Alabama or Oklahoma, but he plays like a champion. What separates Shenault from the rest? His strength in his yards after catch. Already at 6’2 220 pounds, Laviska is built for destruction. A nightmare for defensive backs to try and bring down regardless of where he is on the football field. Speaking of, Colorado lines him up in the slot, outside, at tight end, under center, in the backfield. Infinite possibilities for someone that is as strong a runner as he is a wide receiver.
At the end of the day our offense is, for the most part, complete. This team has the means to address the lack of separation and the lack of deep threats on the outside this offseason. Opposing defensive coordinators should have to think twice about loading the line of scrimmage with defenders if we can acquire any of the three aforementioned names. The revolving door, has no right to continue after this offseason.
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