8 WRs the Raiders could target on day 3 of the NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders only have these two day three picks:

4.121

5.159

It doesn’t leave Mike Mayock much to do on April 25th at the moment and it also could handcuff him from thinking of moving up in the draft with his three round three picks unless they are packaged together. However, Mayock was quite active during his first draft and he figures to make moves that give him additional options on the final day of this year’s network festivities.

I would expect Mayock to look to move down at least one of his round three picks into round four in order to pick up additional selections in rounds 5-7. We also know that the Raiders will be looking for additional receiver help and while they’re likely to make a move there in round one, it wouldn’t preclude them from doubling down on day three.

Over the past decade, these receivers have gone off the board after the third round:

Antonio Brown (6)

Tyreek Hill (5)

Stefon Diggs (5)

Marvin Jones (5)

Kenny Stills (5)

Travis Benjamin (5)

Jamison Crowder (4)

Jeremy Kerley (7)

Martavis Bryant (4)

Quincy Enunwa (6)

Dede Westbrook (4)

Marquez Valdes-Scantling (6)

And in 2015, the Baltimore Ravens picked up a receiver in round six who eventually went to the Raiders in 2018 and led them last season with 90 catches for 1,145 yards. Of course, Darren Waller is now a tight end, but with day three picks you rarely know what you’re going to get.

I don’t know what a team is getting in these eight receivers, but here are some potential targets for Mayock with the picks that he has right now and perhaps some that he doesn’t yet.

Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State

6’4”, 210 lbs, 4.61

NFL.com preview:

NFL Comparison - Geronimo Allison

Overview

Potential inside/outside target with below average speed but outstanding ball skills, instincts and will to make the contested catch. Scouts must balance his impressive pass-catching talent against issues eluding press-man and NFL-caliber coverage. Hodgins is astutely aware of coverage location in all areas of the field and adjusts accordingly. He’s clearly more skilled than opponents when the ball is in the air, but the catch space will be tighter and the challenges more fierce as a pro. He needs to refine his route-running and may need to be moved and stacked in bunch sets for release freedom, but Hodgins has the ability to see the field in multiple-wideout sets as a middle-round pick.

Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty

6’4, 223 lbs, 4.6

NFL.com draft profile:

NFL Comparison - DeVante Parker

Overview

Very intriguing height-weight-speed prospect who showed noticeable improvements in a number of important areas in 2019. While his hands were superior in ‘19, it’s possible that focus drops could return with bigger, better players beating on his routes from snap to whistle. When he does catch it, he has an innate ability to add yardage after the catch with his size and agility. Gandy-Golden’s route-running is still a work in progress, but his build-up speed, length and ball skills could allow him to develop into a dangerous third-level threat on the next level.

Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

6’1, 200 lbs,

NFL.com draft profile:

NFL Comparison - Adam Humphries

Overview

Versatile, skilled receiver who has played all three receiver spots but is likely to do most of his damage from the slot. Jefferson has average size and won’t run away from quality man coverage, but he will separate from it with premium route-running and unique looks and angles that keep cornerbacks on their heels. He needs to prove he can deal with NFL size and strength banging on him at the catch point. Jefferson is a pro-ready receiver whose skill level and competitive nature outweigh average explosiveness and he should find quick work as a WR3/WR4.

Quez Watkins, WR, Southern Miss

6’, 185 lbs, 4.35

NFL.com draft profile:

NFL Comparison - J’Mon Moore

Overview

Early-entry prospect with adequate size and speed but needs to prove he can rise to the occasion against NFL competition. Watkins’ confidence has been affected by level of competition and his catch focus appears to change when he works into traffic. Hip tightness limits route effectiveness, but he runs well enough to work vertically and across the field with modest separation and above-average jump-ball talent. His leap in production is a good sign, but if he doesn’t do a better job of getting away from press, he will have a hard time making it. The potential outweighs the concerns and he should be a Day 3 selection with a shot at becoming a WR4/5.

Antonio Gibson, WR, Memphis

6’, 228 lbs, 4.39

NFL.com draft profile:

NFL Comparison - Buck Allen

Overview

”Big athlete with position versatility” will be a tag from some, but it’s vague and lacks projection. While Gibson is a one-year wonder, his 14 career touchdowns on just 77 touches demand attention. He played more slot than running back in college, but he was a runner in high school and has an intriguing combination of size, burst, vision and power. He is a four-phase player on Day 1 with the ability to return kicks, cover them and create matchup problems for linebackers out of the backfield. The sample size is extremely limited and he needs a developmental runway, but Gibson has exciting upside as a pro.

Aaron Parker, WR, Rhode Island

6’2, 209 lbs, 4.57

NFL.com draft profile:

NFL Comparison - Rashard Higgins

Overview

Later-round prospect who wins with good size and fantastic ball skills. Parker’s high school basketball background shows up on 50/50 throws. His body control, timing and hand strength translate on any level of football. He’s not fast and is too content to win in the air rather than with clever route running. He’s instinctive working zone-beaters underneath and his toughness as a run blocker will earn him points. He’s a talented ball-winner as a big slot, but a lack of long speed and separation quickness make improved route-running a top priority for his step up in competition.

Joe Reed, WR, Virginia

6’, 224 lbs, 4.47

NFL.com draft profile:

Overview

Well-built slot receiver who tends to take what the defense gives him but doesn’t really have the skillset to threaten and defeat coverage on a regular basis. He doesn’t have a big early burst or desired long speed so he’s likely to wear coverage unless he’s bunched or in motion. His hands are reliable and he’s quick in transitioning from catch to run in the quick passing game. He’s a fearless, downhill kick returner with a running back’s vision and can flip the field for his team, but he needs to prove he’s worthy of a receiver spot on the roster to make a team.

K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State

6’, 196 lbs, 4.6

NFL.com draft profile:

NFL Comparison - DaeSean Hamilton

Overview

Words like “dependable,” “reliable,” and “consistent” work well to describe Ohio State’s all-time catch leader. He’s a slot worker who is most effective in space, where his route savvy and sticky hands can make their mark. He’s not sudden or special with the ball in his hands underneath and won’t stretch defenses vertically, so the routes may need to go from good to great for him to become more than a solid backup.