The Raiders enter the 2021 season as one of the biggest unknowns in the NFL due to their youth. The team is relying on several young players at key spots, including wide receiver, offensive tackle and cornerback. But just how well does their young talent compare to the rest of the NFL?
In a recent article by Aaron Schatz of ESPN, he wrote about every team’s young talent heading into the 2021 season. The Raiders were ranked inside the top-15 after making six first-round picks since 2019. Here is a snippet of Schatz’s thoughts on a few young players on the roster:
“At wide receiver, last year’s 12th overall pick Henry Ruggs may start opposite Bryan Edwards. Both receivers are just 22. Ruggs was a deep threat as advertised last year, with 17.4 yards per reception. Edwards had even more impressive 17.5 yards per reception, albeit with a small sample size of just 15 pass targets. Trayvon Mullen, 23, is a good No. 2 cornerback who has been a bit stretched as the Raiders’ No. 1 corner in his first couple of seasons; he ranked 38th among cornerbacks in yards per pass target last season.”
The Raiders are really hoping that players such as Clelin Ferrell, Damon Arnette and Johnathan Abram can make big leaps this year to improve the overall depth of the roster. If not, it’s probably a team that won’t make the roster.
But if they can get solid play out of these three former first-round picks, don’t be surprised if the Raiders do exceed expectations and make the playoffs.
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