In a recent mock draft on NFL.com, the Las Vegas Raiders are slated to address both of their biggest needs simultaneously in the first round.
As the 2020 NFL Draft approaches, we’ll start to see more practical scenarios for the Raiders. Barring any trades or unforeseen transactions, the Silver and Black will likely stay put with their 12th and 19th picks even though we know general manager Mike Mayock isn’t afraid to move in the draft as he did last year, albeit not in the first round.
Related: Raiders GM Mike Mayock Ready To Seize Draft Again
The more pragmatic approach in the first round for the Raiders would be to address their two biggest needs, wide receiver and cornerback. Paul Guenther’s defense lacks a starter opposite of Trayvon Mullen. Meanwhile, current starting quarterback Derek Carr is missing a true number one receiver. Sometimes it’s best to just play it safe and not get too cute with any “reaches” and go for players who’ll start from Day One. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Media recently proposed the following scenario for the Raiders in the first round:
#12 Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
#19 A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
Why It Makes Sense For The Raiders
Mayock has emphasized the importance of championship pedigree and character, and last year’s draft class showcases that. If he selected Terrell, he’d continue the trend of Clemson players joining the Raiders ranks, and both starting corners for the Raiders would be former Clemson Tigers. The wide receiver pick at number 12 has garnered a ton of debate amongst fans, writers, and everyone in between. If any of the top three prospects, including Jeudy or Henry Ruggs III or CeeDee Lamb are there, it would behoove Mayock to pick one. This is especially true if head coach Jon Gruden expects to improve on last year’s 7-9 record, as his offense severely lacks a playmaker at the position. Luckily for the Raiders, they already have their number two and three receivers in house, Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow.
An interesting side note from Jeremiah’s scenario is regarding the twelfth pick, “This decision would likely come down to Jeudy versus Javon Kinlaw. I would applaud either choice.” The Raiders could aways use depth in their defensive line. However, does it mean the Raiders would take a defensive lineman over wide receiver? Only Mayock and Gruden know the answer to that question.
April 23rd can’t get here fast enough.
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