Many die hards don’t want Tom Brady playing for the Raiders to become a reality. However, there’s always a puncher’s chance the team moves on from Derek Carr if the right opportunity presents itself. Anything can happen in the NFL.
The defense needs to be addressed in this year’s draft and there’s no doubt general manager Mike Mayock will do his due diligence this year. Nonetheless, it goes without saying head coach and Raiders’ shot caller Jon Gruden must make an impact in Vegas out of the gate: Enter Tom Brady. Is it a pipe dream? Perhaps. But as UFC President Dana White alluded on Saturday in Las Vegas, this scenario “has legs.”
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So let’s say the Raiders land Brady in this plausible scenario, that means the team’s brass could address an immediate need and shape their future simultaneously.
#12 Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Look, we all know the Raiders need wide receivers as all they have right now is Hunter Renfrow. However, Gruden and Co. will not be able to pass up this golden opportunity. Carr would obviously be shipped out for more draft capital and landing their future franchise quarterback while starting Brady in the short term would be incredible.
At 6-foot-6 and weighing 237 pounds, Herbert has an imposing frame with the ability to elude defenders. Sitting behind Brady for possibly two years would benefit him greatly as he learns Gruden’s complex offense. Jacob Infante of Draft Wire said it best:
“A productive, proven starter at the collegiate level with physical tools aplenty, Herbert has the potential to become a franchise quarterback at the next level.”
Not being able to develop a quarterback notwithstanding, this will probably be Gruden’s last chance to do so. The safety blanket Brady would provide could help Gruden finally mold a franchise quarterback and Herbert would be just the guy.
#19 Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
The Raiders will not draft a linebacker in the first round and the sooner Raider Nation comes to grips with this, the better. One of the most glaring needs is wide receiver and at number 19, they’ll pick their guy in Reagor. The 5-foot-11 and 195 pound wide receiver out of TCU would be an immediate starter for the Silver and Black.
The Draft Network has described Reagor as a “devastating vertical receiver with easy speed to blow past defenders,” which would bode well for Gruden’s offense. With Tom Brady throwing pass to Reagor, Renfrow and possibly Tyrell Williams, Herbert’s eventual transition would be much smoother.
What’s truly scary regarding Reagor is that only a glimpse of what he can fully do was on display at TCU.
“Much more polished and pro-ready than offense gave him the chance to showcase.”
While it’s not a name many in Raider Nation have in their mocks, Reagor would be the answer to their prayers in this scenario.
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