Raiders 7-Round Mock Draft: Las Vegas adds two Oklahoma superstars
By Allen Settle
Round 1, 12th Overall: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The Raiders’ biggest need is at the wide receiver position. The fact that the team holds the 12th overall pick puts them in a position to potentially have their choice of top prospects.
Alabama star Jerry Jeudy was long considered to be the best receiver in the class. Top options like Henry Ruggs III, Justin Jefferson, and Tee Higgins are all also expected to be first or early second-round selections.
However, as the draft rapidly approaches, I believe that one player has emerged from an extraordinary deep group — Oklahoma Sooners wideout CeeDee Lamb.
While other players in this draft offer exceptional skills as route runners and burners, Lamb has the best combination of size and skill. His 6-foot-2, 189-pound frame, combined with his amazing leaping ability will make him a dangerous target on every play.
While his lack of elite speed (4.50 40-yard-dash) may prevent him from reaching the big-play potential of Ruggs, he still profiles as a true No. 1 option.
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Lamb’s ability to attack the ball at the highest point (he recorded a 34.5-inch vertical at the Combine) should allow him to generate a healthy number of receptions and yards. His physical ability should also make him a threat to move the chains and convert in the red zone.
His catching ability is so outstanding, that Lamb has been compared to All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He should immediately become a go-to target for whichever player the team elects to play at the quarterback position.
Lamb will also help bring a better balance to the entire Raiders’ offense. Last season, the team was in the awkward position of utilizing several solid receivers, without any true stars.
While guys like Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow, and Zay Jones are all talented, none of them are capable of being consistent, sustainable sources of offense. Adding a player like Lamb would allow each of the other players to become dangerous secondary options.
Adding Lamb to a mix of good receivers and a budding star in Darren Waller will help Las Vegas field a respectable offense for the next several years.
Honorable Mention: Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III