Raiders: 5 wide receivers to target in the 2020 NFL Draft
By Justin Fried
5. Justin Jefferson — LSU
There are realistically up to around seven or eight wide receivers who could hear their name called in the first round of this year’s draft. And while all of those being discussed likely won’t be taken there, one late riser up draft boards has been LSU’s Justin Jefferson.
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LSU’s offense dazzled in 2019 putting up record numbers helped in part by Heisman winner Joe Burrow and a trio of star-studded receivers. Among those receivers was the highly-touted Jefferson who emerged as one of Burrow’s top targets.
Jefferson broke out as a sophomore in 2018 recording 875 yards and six touchdowns on 54 catches. But it was his junior year this past season that really put him on the college football map.
The young wideout hauled in a whopping 111 receptions for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. Staggering numbers that somehow weren’t even the most impressive on his team.
Nonetheless, Jefferson would give the Raiders an ideal red-zone target who’s 6-foot-3 frame allows him to high-point balls very well. He has very reliable hands, is a good route-runner, and tracks the ball well which combined with his size make him a mismatch for defenses.
He’s not a downfield burner, but he has no problem taking the top off a defense with his size and body control. And if he tests well at the Combine, there’s no reason why he can’t sneak into the first round.
In a deep receiver class, Jefferson has gotten a bit overshadowed. But he would be an excellent pick-up for a Raiders team needing another red-zone threat.