Raiders: Mid-February complete 7-round mock draft
By Nico Di Fede
Stats. Brandon Aiyuk. 2. player. 854. Scouting Report. Wide Receiver. Arizona State
Round 2, Pick 2: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Brandon Aiyuk is one of the better big-play threats in the entire 2020 wide receiver class. In most years, he would probably be a first-rounder and it is actually possible that is the case with him this year as well after the Combine.
Aiyuk was a vertical threat for Arizona State which is exactly what the Raiders need on the offense. He has elite speed and as a punt returner can turn a short pass into a big gain with his ability with the ball in his hands.
Like I said with Lamb, receivers that can make plays after the catch are needed in Gruden’s West Coast offense, so while there is a ton of talent at receiver and it’s hard to go wrong with any of the top guys in this draft, Aiyuk is the perfect fit skill-set wise.
While Lamb and Aiyuk both turn into running backs with the ball in their hands, Aiyuk has the elite speed that Lamb lacks, on top of top-notch twitchiness and quick hips.
Where he may struggle is beating press against bigger physical corners. He also tends to let the ball come into his body too often and needs to use his hands more.
With the selection of CeeDee Lamb and Aiyuk in the first two rounds, the receiver position should be set for years to come with the two of them along with the young Hunter Renfrow.