:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66249582/bama8.0.jpg)
Super Bowl 54 is now behind us and Raiders fans must face the reality that their hated division rival are now world champions. First step in taking out the Chiefs is to improve the roster. That all begins in free agency, and is followed by the draft in April.
Now that the 2019 season is officially over, draft analyst from various networks have put together their post Super Bowl mock drafts. There’s been a bit of a shake up with the Raiders first two picks. In last week’s mock draft round up, it was two Oklahoma Sooners we saw most commonly mocked to Las Vegas.
Take a look at who experts across various sites see wearing the Silver and Black in 2020.
Todd McShay-ESPN
12. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
No Raiders wide receiver had 50 catches in 2019, and none had more than 651 yards. Of course, GM Mike Mayock and coach Jon Gruden thought they had their WR1 last summer when they traded for Antonio Brown, but we all know that didn’t go to plan. Enter the top route runner in the draft class in Jeudy. He would immediately give Derek Carr — or whoever is throwing the passes in Vegas — a legitimate threat outside to pair with breakout tight end Darren Waller. The wide receiver class is deep, but Jeudy is my No. 1-ranked prospect at the position.
19. CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
With Jeudy taking care of receiving woes, it’s time to look at the defense for the Raiders’ fifth Round 1 pick in the past two years. Trayvon Mullen showed some potential in his rookie season, but Nevin Lawson and Daryl Worley are both free agents, so Vegas — man, I’m still getting used to saying that — is going to have to get a playmaker in coverage. Henderson broke up 11 passes for Florida this past season, an ability that will be welcomed by a Raiders defense that managed only nine picks and was bottom 10 in pass defense (256.7 yards per game).
Michael Renner- Pro Football Focus
12. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The Raiders should be elated come draft day if one of either Jeudy or Lamb is still on the board come pick No. 12. Both look like number-one-type wide receivers from day one, and that’s something the Raiders have noticeably lacked since dealing Amari Cooper. Even with all eyes on him in Oklahoma’s offense without Hollywood Brown this year, Lamb still finished top five nationally in yards per route.
19. CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
After Jeffrey Okudah, Henderson has the best man coverage skill set of any corner in this class. He’s not the trash-talker of your normal man corner, but he quietly handles his business at a high level. Henderson has allowed only 28 first-downs on 637 coverage snaps over the past two seasons.
Dane Brugler-The Athletic
***TRADE ***
Las Vegas Raiders receive:
2020 first-round pick (No. 8 overall)
Arizona Cardinals receive:
2020 first-round pick (No. 12 overall)
2020 third-round pick (No. 80 overall)
2020 fifth-round pick
8. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
Watching the Raiders on defense last year, Simmons is the playmaker they are missing. A versatile talent, he is a four-down playmaker who can blitz, cover and stop the run. It is unlikely that Simmons makes it to the No. 12 pick, but if he is still available with the eighth pick, this is a move that makes too much sense for Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock.
19. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
The Raiders drafted three Clemson players in last year’s draft, why not two more in this year’s first round? Whoever is taking snaps under center for Las Vegas would benefit from a tall tree like Higgins, who uses his quick-twitch reflexes and length to expand his catch radius.
Matt Miller-Bleacher Report
12. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
General manager Mike Mayock has to be doing backflips of happiness with the way the board has fallen. The top receiver in the draft falls into the lap of a team desperate to add speed to the edge of the offense. Jerry Jeudy may be falling victim to a case of over-scouting. We’ve seen him dominate in college for two seasons, so evaluators start to look for holes in his game and narrow their focus to examine things that in the larger picture might not be as important. Jeudy is an elite route-runner with awesome balance, agility and burst. He’s exactly what the Raiders lack. With two first-round selections, the Raiders can now focus on the linebacker position in a draft that has very good mid-first-round depth.
19. Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
With pick No. 12 overall, the Raiders went after a wide receiver in Jerry Jeudy. Now general manager Mike Mayock can go back to building an elite defense with LSU’s speedy linebacker Patrick Queen. The middle of the field has long been an issue for the Raiders defense. 2019 first-rounder Johnathan Abram will be back healthy next season and will add a boost, but more help is needed—especially at linebacker. Queen was a standout player starting on the road against Texas and from then on showed the speed, instincts and coverage skills to be a true three-down NFL linebacker. With Abrams back and the defensive line developing, now is the time to add a top-tier linebacker prospect.
Chad Reuter- NFL.com
12. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Jeudy’s top-notch routes, quickness and hands make him an elite talent — the kind of playmaker the Raiders had hoped Antonio Brown would be for them last year.
19. Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
The Raiders wanted Vontaze Burfict to be an enforcer in the middle. Queen will be that hammer, and opposing ball carriers the nail.
Kyle Crabbs- The Draft Network
12. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
Pinch yourselves, Raiders fans. You’re not dreaming. Yes, your team really did move to Las Vegas and yes, Isaiah Simmons is really on the board here at 12. Simmons shouldn’t have a problem getting someone to fall in love with him — but if we see the Panthers go with an offensive tackle and Derrick Brown tumble towards 10, this is a viable possibility. Especially considering the NFL can get funky about players without an “official position”. I wouldn’t worry about it, personally. Simmons is a stud.
19. Laviska Shenault Jr, WR, Colorado
Speed.
The Raiders need more of it — and between Isaiah Simmons and now Laviska Shenault, they’re getting a ton of it. Shenault gives the Raiders a dynamic run after catch threat and some much needed explosive play ability down the field to help bring along Coach Jon Gruden’s offense in Year 3.
Loading comments...