Raiders: Bryan Edwards named team’s biggest X-factor in 2020

Las Vegas Raiders’ wide receiver Bryan Edwards was named the team’s biggest X-factor.

The Las Vegas Raiders are a little over two weeks away from the start of the 2020 season. And thus far, training camp has been a great success for the organization.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of training camp to this point has been the emergence of a number of rookies. From first-round pick Henry Ruggs to undrafted linebacker Javin White, the Raiders’ training camp has had no shortage of rookie standouts.

But perhaps no player has shined as much as third-round pick Bryan Edwards.

Edwards was considered a borderline first-round prospect by some leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft, but he suffered a broken foot in his preparation for the NFL Combine which caused his draft stock to plummet.

He would fall all the way to the Raiders at pick No. 81 overall in the third round. But throughout training camp, he’s showing exactly why many saw him as one of the steals of the entire draft.

Few Raiders players have shined as bright as Bryan Edwards this summer.

Edwards has quickly emerged as one of the Raiders’ most talented playmakers and is even beginning to see time with the first-team offense. There’s even some chatter that he could end up starting come Week 1.

As a result, Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report recently named Edwards the team’s biggest X-factor heading into the 2020 season. Here is a little snippet of what Sobleski had to say.

"“He’s done so well in his first training camp that those outside the organization shouldn’t view him as a mid-round talent. Instead, he’s going to be an integral part of the Raiders offense.The Raiders lacked weapons among their wide receivers last year. Edwards and first-round pick Henry Ruggs III could completely revamp the passing game.”"

Following Tyrell Williams‘ injury, there’s every chance that Edwards could step in and take over for the oft-injured deep threat. To Williams’ credit, he insists on playing through his torn labrum, but it’s hard to see him being nearly as effective.

Edwards has a chance to immediately play a big role on offense and after a couple of years of underhwleming receiver production, it will be nice to see a pair of rookies in Ruggs and Edwards leading the charge.

The Raiders love Bryan Edwards. Jon Gruden loves Bryan Edwards. And even if he doesn’t line up as a starter come Week 1, expect him to have a huge impact in 2020.