Back on January 1, 2020, we ran an article in which two wide receivers were selected in the first round. No one knows what the Las Vegas Raiders will do come Day 1 of the NFL Draft, but is this scenario still viable?
The Raiders and general manager Mike Mayock would select Laviska Shenault Jr. and Henry Ruggs III in that proposed mock. With the NFL Combine underway, Ruggs rising stock and Shenault’s injury, perhaps we can fine tune this scenario.
Shenault’s injury, which is linked to a core muscle, is also the reason he did not participate in drills at the Combine. Yet, he did run a 4.58 time. In that same report, it’s stated Shenault should be ready to go come training camp.
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However, it’s more likely the Raiders go a different route altogether due to injury concerns. We’ve seen examples where the Raiders opt for pass rush help. Or others where they go all defense in the first round as well. Maybe a bit of both is the answer.
Raiders Mock: A Different Solution
The Raiders need help on both sides of the ball, that’s not breaking news. So while drafting two wide receivers might be tempting, Mayock doesn’t strike me as someone who would this.
So let’s see if this scenario makes more sense, let’s us know in the comments.
#12 Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Whether it’s Derek Carr or Tom Brady, the Raiders need a wide receiver. Jeudy is the pick here instead of Shenault or Henry Ruggs III, assuming Ruggs would drop that far.
As far as Jeudy, the six-foot-one playmaker who measured 9 1/2″ hands at the Combine is what the Raiders quarterback will need.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein stated via NFL.com that Jeudys “transition from deep threat to volume target in 2019 should help sell teams on his ability to become a pro-Bowl caliber WR1 who can help his offense on all three levels.” In other words, he’s got the speed and hands to make an immediate impact wherever he goes, can’t go wrong with this pick.
#19 Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Assuming the Raiders don’t bring back Karl Joseph and refrain from signing a safety, Delpit has to be the pick here. The team can still boost the wide receiver corps after the first round with someone like Michael Pittman Jr. That being said, why not pick up one of the best defenders in this draft in Delpit.
The six-foot-two 213 pounder from Houston, TX alongside Johnathan Abram could lead the Raiders defensive backfield for years. As highlighted in his Combine bio, toughness is key for Delpit, as he played through a high ankle sprain. Something that stood out when Zierlein was evaluating him was the following: “Willing to sell out his body to make a stop.” That’s toughness in a nutshell combined with old fashioned guts. A duo of Delpit and Abram could be downright scary for AFC West receivers if this scenario pans out.
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