Now that the NFL Scouting Combine has wrapped up, mock drafters are taking the information they saw on the field and adjusting how they expect the first round of the draft to play out. In most cases, things have changed a ton inside of the top-15 picks, outside of the offensive linemen moving up the board some.
That is why in the latest mock draft from ESPN’s Todd McShay, Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb fell to pick No. 12 as three offensive linemen went off the board inside the top-10 selections. And with Jerry Jeudy gone to the Jets at pick No. 11, the Raiders’ choice was pretty simple:
The Raiders of course dealt Amari Cooper to the Cowboys 18 months ago, and the Antonio Brown experience didn’t work out last summer. And Tyrell Williams isn’t a No. 1 option. So there is a glaring need at receiver for the Raiders in Year 1 in Las Vegas, and this class features multiple elite talents at the position. Lamb knows how to create separation and is terrific after the catch. Derek Carr has had success in the past when given legitimate receivers to work with, and Lamb paired with Darren Waller and Williams should put the seventh-year QB in a better spot.
While there is certainly some debate about what receiver best fits the Raiders’ offense between Lamb and Jeudy, either would be a home-run selection at pick No. 12. Lamb offers more size and ability to make plays after the catch, while Jeudy is the more refined receiver right now. Both have Pro Bowl potential and should produce right away.
Later on in the first round, the Raiders grabbed defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who would be a perfect fit in Rod Marinelli’s defense. While he needs some refinement, his power and athleticism would work well next to Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby.
If four quarterbacks and three offensive linemen are selected inside the top-13 picks like in this mock draft, the Raiders should have no problem acquiring elite players in the draft. And given the depth of those two positions in this year’s draft, that’s becoming a very likely scenario, which will allow the Raiders to prosper in the first round.
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