It seems like only a couple of years ago that the Las Vegas Raiders needed a true number one receiver. Though you might also say that’s been the case since 2017. You could argue that, save for a few games this past season before Henry Ruggs III was cut, Amari Cooper was the last true number one wideout.
Either way, there is a consensus that the Raiders need a true WR1. Unfortunately, Davante Adams seems like a pipe dream for the Silver and Black, so they’ll have to look elsewhere. And with limited cap space and glaring needs elsewhere, the best option is to look at the draft. This is a deep wide receiver class, and the Raiders can get a solid pick well into the second round. That’s where Skyy Moore comes in.
Should the Raiders be considering Skyy Moore?
Moore can be a weapon for the Raiders
Moore has the speed to take the top off of a defense. Although he was going against MAC secondaries, Moore racked up 95 catches, 1292 yards, and 10 touchdowns. On his conference call with reporters, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said, “He’s probably going to go in the second or third round, but he’s got some — maybe it’s just the MAC thing, but I saw some Antonio Brown traits in him when you studied him, minus some of the newer Antonio Brown info.” He also mentioned that Moore exhibits many of the skills that are typical of players drafted by the New England Patriots. And with a head office now led by old members of the Pats, I would expect the Raiders to look Moore’s way. And with needs at o-line, linebacker, and cornerback, using a second or third-round pick on Moore would be a steal.
Skyy Moore's 91.6 PFF Grade is the highest by a MAC WR since 2014 ðŸ´@WMU_Football pic.twitter.com/k5cP26k76D
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 27, 2022
Finally filling the need…
I don’t need to get into how much pain the wide receiver position has caused the Raiders over the last half-decade. Add Raider Nation to those that have suffered as well. Cooper, Brown, Ruggs, and Jordy Nelson. One word comes to mind: pain. But speaking of Ruggs, Moore could fill that need, almost without skipping a beat. Plus, Derek Carr is reportedly about to get an extension. So, giving him another target to pair with the likes of Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller, stopping a sure-to-improve offense will be tough sledding for any team. And Moore would add that dynamic. One that was desperately missing down the stretch last season.
Skyy Moore and his releases 😳 pic.twitter.com/F4fremzsLG
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) February 27, 2022
Last season, the Raiders hit one of their goals. And after a tumultuous season like that, the expectations should be a better record with smoother sailing during the year. Inputting the right pieces and weapons will be vital to pushing past the wild card round. This week at the NFL Combine, Moore is a name to keep an eye out for. But I think, based on his production, that the Skyy’s the limit, no pun intended.
[pickup_prop id=”19118″]
*Top Photo: Emil Lippe/MLive.com