The 2020 NFL Draft is tonight, and the Las Vegas Raiders are more than prepared for one of the most electrifying events in all of professional sports. Here at the Raider Ramble, it is no different.
Raiders’ Positional Ranking Recap
Over the past few weeks, the Ramble has provided rankings of the top college prospects in concordance with positions the Raiders need to target in the draft. A culmination of these lists has been made into a mock Raiders big board for the top 30 overall prospects.
The chart below is based on need, talent, and overall fit for Las Vegas. A players position in the rankings, (such as 12 or 19) is not indicator of them being drafted if they are available at the point. Overall, this is an analysis of what players the team may value higher than others.
The Raiders’ Top 30
The top 30 prospects of this list offer a bevy of talent in a multitude of ways. However, there is one play on this list that the Raiders may be attracted to at either the 12th or 19th overall selections.
Related:Â Why Jalen Reagor Makes Sense For Raiders
Justin Jefferson – LSU Tigers
Jefferson is a prospect that checks all the boxes for what the Raiders are seeking in a player moving forward.
- He was part of a 2019 National Championship winning program and his performances were second to none in their impeccable title run.
Justin Jefferson 14 catches, 227 receiving yds, 4 TDs in a college playoff game where they stopped trying by the 3rd quarter. I stopped preaching his name after the national championship game because it shouldn’t even have to be spoken on
pic.twitter.com/lOomtSFg2d— Chris Mallee (@mallee_chris_24) March 28, 2020
- His work ethic was evident when he worked his way to success after only being deemed a two star recruit out of high school.
"Not bad for a two star recruit."#LSU Coach O shares his thoughts on wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who has 102 (what???) catches for 1,432 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.
Watch Orgeron's entire press conference here – https://t.co/XfvCHOZe0R @WAFB9Sports pic.twitter.com/utA4Q8uGhs
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) January 3, 2020
- Lastly, he is a 6’3″ tall receiver that combines incredible route running with an even more impressive catch radius.
Oh that’s how you feel Justin Jefferson 😳😳😳?! Ok, then @LSUfootball! pic.twitter.com/3ZA7FCKwQ2
— Ben Bullock (@BenBulljive) November 25, 2018
- Above all, Jefferson was an impact individual at the collegiate level and is looking to have that same success with the Raiders both on and off the field.
In Review
Later today, we’ll find out what the Raiders will do with their first round picks. The team has the means to acquire top talent with their current selections, or opt to trade back in an effort to acquire a substantial quantity of good football players in the middle or late rounds. Either way, there is no reason for the team to reach nor play it safe for any of the positions. A team that is looking to contend in 2020 has the ability to add ‘culture’ and acquire premier talent with a couple top 20 picks. When the dust settles, Las Vegas won’t have any excuses regarding talent in the upcoming regular season.
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Top Photo: Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sport