Pros and cons of Raiders taking two receivers in first round

Receiver is the Raiders’ biggest remaining need and fortunately this is a great receiver class. The key to Jon Gruden’s offense is the passing game.

So, yes, it is not crazy to wonder if the Raiders will use both of their first round picks, No. 12 and No. 19, at the position in 13 days at the NFL draft.

It’s an interesting case. Let’s look at the pros and cons of it:

Pros
The chance to be great at receiver: The Raiders have long been looking for greatness at this position. Gruden craves it. If he gets the chance to draft two players who he thinks can be offense-changing performers, he just might do it.

It helps Derek Carr:
We all know the story on Carr and many fans are split on him. But the more weapons around him (the Raiders’ receivers were not good last year), the better chance he has to succeed. And if Carr does get quality firepower and still can’t make it to the next level, the Raiders will have an easier time moving on if it comes to that.

The time may be right:
The receivers in this draft are quality and the Raiders have two top-19 picks. The time might never be better to make a bold move like this.

Cons
They have other need areas: The Raiders worked hard to improve their defense in free agency. But they still need a cornerback badly and could use help on all layers of the defense. Taking two receivers in the first round takes away from the defense.

High bust rate: Look at any draft and receivers jump out as high risks to be busts. So, there is a gamble aspect here.

Deep class: On the other hand, this is a deep class with up to 25 receivers expected to go in the top three rounds. Perhaps the Raiders could find a second starting receiver after the first round.

Conclusion: It’s worth discussing. In the end, I’d be slightly surprised if the Raiders do take two receivers in the first round. But if it’s the right two receivers, why not?