The NFL draft begins on Thursday night and the Las Vegas Raiders hold the 17th overall selection and as of right now, a total of eight picks. Since 2018, it’s been the norm to ask which quarterback they will be taking. However, this article isn’t about that. Instead, here’s why the Raiders should and shouldn’t go after Ole Miss wide receiver Elijah Moore.
Here are the pros and cons of the Raiders drafting Elijah Moore
The case for Elijah Moore
Why should the Raiders give Moore a call on draft day? You can never have too many playmakers and as always, it feels like the Raiders are missing some. The Ole Miss product is coming off a season with 1,193 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Moreover, he posted a 4.32 40-yard dash on his Pro Day. The thing with him is that he literally runs by defenders, a speedster that can always make the big play.
Moore’s route running is good and shows a way to get a quick release. Also, he would give head coach Jon Gruden a dynamic weapon on offense. It would be interesting to see if the Raiders look at him at 17 or could they move down and pick up an extra pick while still getting him later in the first round? If he’s available, does Las Vegas take him?
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The case against Elijah Moore
As good as Moore is, there are a few reasons to not pick him in the draft. First and mostly, the Raiders need to upgrade their defense. They need much help in the secondary and they could add some real help at 17. Meanwhile, the offense looks in good shape ahead of the draft. They have a Pro Bowl running back, a top-tier tight end, and a good group of receivers, yes, they could get better at the position, but the secondary is a more pressing need.
The corner position has some unproven players and some who haven’t done anything of note yet. The safety position has been elevated with the return of Karl Joseph, but the defense has consistently been an issue, so more help is needed. If Micha Parsons drops to 17, how could the Raiders not take him? Moore is an excellent option, but with a solid offense at the skill positions, the pressing need will be the defense.
The draft will be looked at no matter what the Raiders decide to do. If history has taught us anything it’s that there may be a reach at 17 or somebody that media and fans aren’t even looking at. Let’s hope they go with picks that are needed and don’t reach as seems to be the case lately.
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