The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2021 offseason with plenty of needs to address. Their safety room might be the most pressing one and their defensive line should be a not-too-distant second. In fact, there are many paths they can take with their first-round selection, the 17th overall. They could even go wide receiver and target somebody like Kadarius Toney.
Kadarius Toney could bolster the Raiders’ wide receiver corps
Florida’s Kadarius Toney isn’t the best wide receiver in 2021’s class. That title would go to Ja’Marr Chase or DeVonta Smith depending on whom you ask. Nevertheless, the Alabama native played at a high level for the Gators in 2020, catching 70 passes for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns, and deserves first-round consideration.
Moreover, Toney forced 64 missed tackles on 177 touches throughout his career. Despite the fact that he didn’t garner as much attention as tight end Kyle Pitts and quarterback Kyle Trask did, he played a key role in Florida’s high-powered offense in 2020.
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Kadarius Toney can provide insurance if Nelly leaves
The Raiders drafted a couple of wide receivers in 2020, Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards. They expected both to play a key role on their offense and although they both displayed flashes of talent, it was free agent Nelson Agholor who had the most impact.
This past season, ‘Nelly’ had a career-year, hauling 48 for 896 yards and eight touchdowns. On the other hand, Ruggs and Edwards had a combined 645 yards for three yards. Agholor is now set to hit the open market and Las Vegas may not be able to keep him, so they could bring in Toney to round out their wide receiver corps.
While the Raiders can make a bid for ’15’, they could use the money they would use to sign him in other positions. It’s too early to give up on Ruggs and Edwards, but the team’s brass should take a cautious approach and draft a wide receiver in case they can’t keep Agholor.
Wide receiver may not be a popular choice with the 17th overall pick. Nevertheless, the Raiders have to make sure they get the best player available when they’re on the clock. For that reason, they need to consider picking Toney in the first round.
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Top Photo: John Raoux/Associated Press
