This year’s NFL Draft is seeing some changes and not just due to the Raiders moving from Oakland to Las Vegas.
Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the NFL draft will have a different feel and look, but that won’t stop these teams from making the best picks.
The Las Vegas Raiders have two first round picks in this year’s draft at number 12 and 19 overall. The Raiders made some offseason moves and have helped them narrow down their picks to a couple of key positions in the first round. They will more than likely be looking at drafting a top wide receiver and talented corner in the first round. The Raiders have lacked a significant presence at the wideout position after they dealt Amari Cooper away. This is probably the biggest concern that they will have to address in this year’s draft, and this is a great year to find one in one of these great wideouts that have declared. Another position that the Raiders need to focus on is the cornerback. They struggled in the secondary, and to fix that, they need to get a big and fast corner to apply pressure on these receivers in the NFL.
If everything falls in place for the Silver and Black, they will be looking at drafting CeeDee Lamb coming out of Oklahoma as the number 12 overall pick. Lamb ended his last year at Oklahoma with 1,327 yards and 15 touchdowns. With his skill sets and his speed, he can lineup anywhere and make a play happen. Lamb would be a great pick up for them, barring that he is not drafted before.
If Lamb is picked, there is still Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III out of Alabama. It would be disappointing for Mike Mayock, as Mayock has reportedly said he loves Lamb. As of now, it looks like the Raiders will be able to pick up Lamb, but there are other great options if he is not available.
With the 19th overall pick, the Raiders will be looking for a solid cornerback to help make their secondary that much better and push them into a playoff-contending team. The Raiders are more than likely aiming at picking up Kristian Fulton out of LSU. Fulton brings a disruptive presence while on the field, and his great athleticism will help immensely when it comes to the issues they had with the pass defense last year. Fulton excels at getting physical and playing upon receivers and has the speed and skills to prevent receivers form getting the football in their hands.
If Fulton is not on the board, it’s possible to see the Raiders taking A.J. Terrell from Clemson. Terrell would be able to help the secondary and help with the lackluster pass defense with his ability to create pressure on receivers from the press.
Either way, the Raiders go they should be able to pick up a solid corner with the 19th pick. Some may think that they should go after C.J. Henderson out of Florida, but the issue that I see is he’s not as physical as Fulton or Terrell, not to mention he will likely not be available. With success the Raiders have had with Clemson defensive players, I see them going towards Terrell if Fulton is not available.
