Raiders: 4 players to target in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft
By Allen Settle
1. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Considering the fact that Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert are all projected to be taken well before the Raiders’ first pick, their No. 1 target should be Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy.
The star receiver, who is widely considered to be the best player at his position in the 2020 class, would be the perfect addition for Las Vegas. Not only would he fill the team’s biggest position need, but he should also be available when the Raiders go on the clock at No. 12.
While the team enjoyed a breakout season from tight end Darren Waller in 2019, they lacked a legitimate target on the outside. The Antonio Brown experiment ended in tragic fashion, leaving Tyrell Williams (651 receiving yards) and Hunter Renfrow (605 receiving yards) as the top players at the position.
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While both were solid contributors, neither profile as a legitimate number-one option.
Jeudy would immediately solve this dilemma. Walter Football predicts that the former Crimson Tide star as a middle ground between Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley.
While his 6-foot-1, 192-pound frame leaves him short of Jones’ incredible measurables, Jeudy has all the tools necessary to thrive as a star in the NFL.
The Alabama product has the complete package for a player at his position. He is a good route runner with solid foot speed and the ability to separate. His ability to extend plays and break tackles after the catch is also one of his biggest strengths.
There are a number of instances in college where Jeudy would line up in the slot, catch a relatively routine pass, and use his quickness and lower body strength to break off a long play. These skills should translate well to the professional level.
Jeudy’s big-play ability has even drawn comparisons to superstar wideout A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Not only does Jeudy immediately solve the team’s issue at receiver, but adding a weapon of his caliber would also be a huge boost to whoever the Raiders employ as their starting quarterback.
The Raiders would be wise to confidently invest their first pick in Jeudy.