WR Justin Jefferson

First off, the expectation is that the Raiders will take a receiver with their first pick at No. 12. If that happens, then Jefferson is not happening unless he somehow tumbles in the draft and they can get him later. But should they have a better prospect at another position on the board at No. 12 and take him instead, opting to wait on the receiver position, Jefferson becomes a possibility. Perhaps that happens at No. 19, but the odds go up if they make a trade down in the first and/or to get back in the second round. Jefferson could make a lot of sense in that range.

A lot of those who would take a cursory look at this draft class like to say Jefferson is a slot receiver product. And being that the Raider have one of those in the aforementioned Hunter Renfrow, Jefferson is the wrong guy. But that isn’t entirely accurate.

Prior to last season, Jefferson spent a lot more time on the outside. He spent 553 of his 697 snaps playing on the outside, and just 133 of his snaps in the slot. Also, consider that just because a player lines up inside doesn’t mean that’s the only place he can play. Jefferson’s abilities to play more than the slot position were detailed nicely by Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield.

If there was any doubt about Jefferson’s athletic abilities, he put those to bed with an outstanding scouting combine which included running a 4.43 40. He was also Joe Burrow’s top target last year for the Tigers with 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. You take a chance that kind of production, reliability, and athleticism can translate to the NFL no matter where he lines up.

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