The Las Vegas Raiders can always use speed at wide receiver, so why not target Texas State speedster Jeremiah Haydel in the 2021 NFL Draft?
You can never have too much speed and talent at wide receiver and the Raiders should by no means deprive themselves of landing talent. We all know Henry Ruggs III has high expectations next year as does Bryan Edwards. Hunter Renfrow isn’t going anywhere and is always a tough and reliable pass catcher. John Brown has signed this offseason but which version are the Raiders getting, last year’s or 2019’s? Also, Las Vegas would also help themselves in special teams and take some pressure off of Renfrow with Haydel.
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What would the Raiders be getting with Haydel?
At Texas State, Haydel accumulated 96 receptions, 1,141 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns over a four-year collegiate career. Back in 2018, he averaged 20.4 yards a catch. Somewhat undersized at six foot, Haydel makes up for it with his feet and ability to make the big play. Pro Football Focus gave him a 70.3 run grade for his senior year, seeing action all over the field whether it was inside in the slot or outside.
In addition, Haydel’s biggest contribution to the Raiders could come in the form of a special teamer. He totaled 54 kick returns for 1,191 yards and touchdown, averaging 25.2 yards a return. As far as punts, he returned 16 of them while averaging 13 yards, and another special teams’ touchdown. Adding some explosiveness to the return game would go a long way in helping to establish field position.
Jeremiah Haydel 91 yard HOUSE CALL
Texas State has clawed back and is tied with UTSA pic.twitter.com/1jRPex4Aci
— Sun Belt Pages (@SBPages) September 12, 2020
A possible option on Day 3, picking up Haydel wouldn’t cost one of the team’s coveted early-round picks. After picking up a starting tackle and safety along with an interior lineman, the Raiders could still afford to infuse more speed and youth at wide receiver.
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*Top Photo: Paul Rutherford/USA TODAY
