The Las Vegas Raiders have an opportunity to land some potentially exceptional talent in next month’s NFL Draft. However, NFL insider Jay Glazer believes the team will opt for “best player available” rather than moving up.
The questions surrounding the Raiders and their off-season plans are plentiful, from free agency to the draft. Glazer recently answered some fan questions via The Athletic hoping to clear up some things for fans.
A Big Splash Might Be Doubtful
Because the Raiders are hosting the draft in their new city, some fans wondered if the team would make a splash trade. Glazer responded, “I don’t think they’re trying to make a splash. I think they’re going to try to get the best player.” Heartbreaking for fans who fell in love with the likes of Isaiah Simmons this past combine, it looks he might not be available at number 12 all things considered.
Glazer alluded to the fact that general manager Mike Mayock’s trying build a winning and positive culture. Referencing last year’s picks as evidence in Clelin Ferrell and Josh Jacobs as prime examples.
“They’re just trying to build culture over there. As far as quality humans in that draft, he (Ferrell) and Josh Jacobs are about as good as you can get.”
The Wide Receiver Quandary
This year’s wide receiver class is shaping up to be one of the deepest in NFL history. Raider Nation anxiously awaits to see if Mayock will pick up one of these potential stars. Glazer mentioned that while he was impressed by CeeDee Lamb’s Combine performance, Las Vegas might not necessarily need to pick a receiver with a first-round pick. He cited the Seattle Seahawks and how they were able to pick up D.K. Metcalf, who accumulated 900 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, in the second round.
“In addition to Lamb there are great difference-makers high up this year, unlike last year. However, this draft is so stacked with receivers that even if you don’t go choose a receiver up high, you can still get great value later on — there will be immediate-impact receivers beyond just the top guys. Just look at the Seahawks last year with D. K. Metcalf. He had some great numbers at the combine, but he still slid down and turned out to be a steal for them in the second.”
We’ve seen what Mayock can do, look at last year and how he picked up Hunter Renfrow in the fifth round. Renfrow for his part, ended the year with 605 receiving yards off of 49 receptions. It’s plausible that the Raiders go a different route than we all expect this year, again, free agency will most likely dictate that.
The Brady Mystery
It’s possible that the decision Tom Brady makes regarding where he ends up will directly affect the Raiders plan. If he were to sign, then we all assume Derek Carr would probably be moved. Given Brady’s age you’d think Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden would draft a future signal caller early.
Related: Why Drafting a Running Back in the Mid Rounds Will Pay Dividends for the Raiders
The trouble is that Glazer points out not even Brady knows where he’ll end up. Glazer being as well connected as he is, didn’t speculate too much on Brady, despite being known as one of the “go-to” insiders for breaking news.
I don’t think Tom Brady knows where Tom Brady is going to sign right now. I know all of you want me to break the news about that, make some splash out there, but I don’t think he knows, and I don’t like to put false guesswork out there.
At the Raider Ramble we even ran a quick poll to see how some fans felt about the quarterback position. This was after Mike Florio of PFT wrote that the Raiders would be wise to go after Nate Sudfeld. Not surprising most fans opted for Brady with Utah State’s Jordan Love. Just one hypothetical if the Patriots were to let Brady walk and the Raiders pounced.
After hearing from Florio earlier today, What sounds better #RaiderNation in 2020 for the QB position? #NFLTwitter
— RaiderRamble.comâ„¢ (@TheRaiderRamble) March 1, 2020
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