2018 Raiders Draft: Mid to Late Round WR

The signing of Jordy Nelson and Dwayne Harris are great value signings, but the Oakland Raiders need help at wide receiver. Amari Cooper regressed & Seth Roberts has failed at being consistent. Nelson is near the end of his career. Harris is a decent fourth option. The Raiders need to snag some talent in this draft because predictably was a huge problem for Carr and company last season.

 

Key’vantie “Keke” Coutee

Unlike former Texas Tech Red Raider receiver Jakeem Grant, Coutee is a much better receiver prospect overall. He is built to dominate in the slot with his speed, agility, and route tree experience courtesy of the receiver friendly Texas Tech offense. He instantly upgrades your special teams unit because of how dynamic his vision & athleticism in the open field are. The fourth round is the perfect spot for him.

Deon Cain

Another immensely talented Clemson receiver, Cain unfortunately was underwhelming after a great sophomore season. Part of this is because Kelly Bryant is nowhere near the quarterback Deshaun Watson is. Cain can come in to blow the top off your defense with his speed and separation but drops are an issue. If given time to develop he could develop into a solid second or third option. He may not be a true number one receiver like Mike Williams, Sammy Watkins, or DeAndre Hopkins but he can have a similar effect that Martavis Bryant had his first two seasons. Cain could go from the third to fifth round.

Cedrick Wilson

Son of former NFL receiver Cedrick Wilson Sr, Wilson far surpassed his father’s college production as a go-to receiver. Wilson Sr never had 900 yards receiving in a season while his son was a Junior College All-American and All-Mountain West selection.

Wilson rewrote the Boise State receiving history books in only two years. He broke the Boise State single season receiving record. Wilson is just as savvy a route runner as his father and has a high football IQ due to being a high school quarterback. He is one of the smoothest route runners in this draft with great hands to match.

He is a proven clutch player and major playmaker on offense and special teams. At 6’3, he can win jump balls and is the type of quiet leader that John Gruden loves. He would instantly challenge Seth Roberts hold on the third receiver spot & steal reps from Dwayne Harris & Johnny Holton. He will not last past the fifth round.

 

Tre’quan Smith

Smith is coming off a 1,000-yard & undefeated “championship” season. He is fast enough to give your safeties problems & can find snaps early by snatching 50-50 balls out the sky with his insanely long arms & 37.5 inch vertical. He is like unformed clay in that he can be molded into whatever role you want & he will find ways to be productive. He could be an even better version of Johnny Holton & have good special teams value.

Jaleel Scott

A big-bodied possession receiver, Scott carried the New Mexico State passing attack. The Raiders have lacked a big receiver who can consistently bail the offense out in the red zone & down field. Scott has the skills to develop into a consistent threat due to being 6’5. His 4.56 speed is enough. However, once he can consistently separate against much quicker corners he could be a cheap replacement for Seth Roberts. His one-handed touchdown catch against Arizona State is a perfect example of his outstanding catch radius. He could be a great pickup in the fifth or sixth round with his value in playing outside & the slot.

Equanimeous St. Brown

One of the most intelligent prospects to come out in a long time, Brown speaks at LEAST four languages & is the epitome of class & professionalism due to his upbringing. When actually given a quarterback of substance like former Irish star DeShone Kizer, Brown was incredibly productive his sophomore year with 961 yards & nine touchdowns on 58 catches. He is big, strong, and fast, with some polish he could develop into a solid third option. His catch radius far exceeds anything the Raiders have. The third-fifth round is range.