One of the more intriguing wide receiver prospects in this year’s draft happens to be the cousin of the newly acquired, Antonio Brown. Marquise Brown is nicknamed “Hollywood” because of his Florida hometown and his big play ability. The speedster was a sure thing first round pick but a Lisfranc injury that required surgery in February could make some teams hesitant to spend a first round pick on him.
Raiders fans know all too well how debilitating Lisfranc injuries can be. Former running back, Darren McFadden suffered the injury in 2011 and was never the same.
Despite not being able to participate in the scouting combine and private workouts, Bleacher Reports Connor Rogers, co-host of the “Stick to Football” podcast with Matt Miller said that he has heard rumors that the Raiders are very interested in Brown should he be there with one of their later first round picks.
“Obviously Hollywood Brown is the cousin of Antonio Brown,” said Rogers. “And what I keep hearing over and over again with those picks 24 or 27 in the back end of round one that Oakland would be looking to add his speed to their offense.”
Any team would welcome Brown’s game breaking speed, but being the peak of smokescreen season it’s hard to differentiate between fact or fiction.
The Raiders have invested significantly this offseason in the wide receiver position with the trade and sign of Antonio Brown and signing of Tyrell Williams. They also added JJ Nelson, Ryan Grant, and De’Mornay Pierson-El for depth.
Using pick 24 or 27 on Hollywood Brown seems more like filling a want rather than a need, especially when you consider the lack of talent at other positions on defense.
On the other hand, Gruden is an offensive minded coach and has prioritized upgrading the offense over the defense in free agency. The Raiders are in a rebuilding process and it’s possible the plan is to build the offense into a juggernaut and address the deficiencies on defense in 2020 and beyond.
During the Senior Bowl, Mike Mayock made the comment, “I think everyone knows we could use some speed at the wide receiver position.”
Playing against the Chiefs twice a year, the Raiders learned first hand the value of having game breakers on the outside.
With so many holes that need to be plugged it might be wise to take a look at other positions in round one but it sure would be fun to watch an offense with Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, and Hollywood Brown.
Poll
Are you buying or selling Marquise "Hollywood" Brown to the Raiders at pick 24 if he is available?
Loading comments...