1. Will the Raiders draft a WR at pick No. 12?
For months now, the go-to selection for the Raiders with their first pick in most mock drafts has been a wide receiver. Whether that’sJerry Jeudy,CeeDee Lamb, orHenry Ruggs III, a receiver seems likely.
After passing on a weak crop of free-agent wide receivers — apart from the cheapNelson Agholorsigning — the team will certainly look to upgrade in what is expected to be a historically great wide receiver class.
But will they do so with their No. 12 pick? There is a reasonable argument against it.
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If one of the top defensive players falls to that pick, it will be hard to pass. Now, it’s highly unlikely we see a player like Jeffrey Okudah orIsaiah Simmonsfall that far, but someone like Auburn defensive tackleDerrick Browncould be an option.
General managerMike Mayockloves building the trenches first and even though the Raiders are pretty deep at interior defensive line following the signings of Maliek Collins and Daniel Ross, Brown could still be a target.
Of course, the team could always opt to trade down if the option presents itself given how deep the receiver class is and considering they select again at No. 19.
Still, the odds-on bet is that the Raiders draft a receiver with their first pick. Which receiver that will be is anyone’s guess — there’s an argument to be made for all three.
It might be hard to pass on Ruggs’ blazing speed, but Jeudy might be the better scheme fit right now as a perfect complement toTyrell Williams. That said, it’s hard to go wrong with Lamb’s physical, explosive skill set either.
It remains to be seen how the Raiders will spend their initial first-round pick. But at the moment, receiver still seems like the obvious choice.
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