With the majority of attention focused on the first two days of the draft, the Oakland Raiders stockpile talent later. After the hype subsides of the first three rounds, the real work begins. Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock cannot bobble later picks. Chances are these selections could fight for coveted roster spots in camp. Sitting to discuss are FPC Raiders writers Ray Aspuria and Kenneth Berry and Terrance Biggs ponder which wideout could the Raiders select late.
What Day 3 receiver should the Raiders draft to challenge for a roster spot?
Berry
If he is on the board, Jalen Hurd out of Baylor by way of Tennessee is the perfect seventh round pick. His versatility, athleticism, and work ethic would be fantastic to see under the tutelage of Antonio Brown.
Aspuria
While my heart wants to say Jazz Ferguson from Northwestern State (he is 6-foot-5 and runs a 4.45 40), my brain says Clemson’s Hunter Renfrow. While his measureables do not jump out at you (5-10, 4.59 40), his hands are made of glue and he is a sneaky route runner. Jon Gruden is infatuated with how Bill Belichick runs the New England Patriots and Renfrow is a classic Patriots wideout. If Gruden truly wants to emulate the hoodie, he nabs a wideout who fits the Bill to a T — unless that is Chucky takes UMass’ Andy Isabella earlier in the draft. Renfrow would be a slower version.
Biggs
In all honesty, Texas Tech’s Antoine Wesley fits perfectly for Raiders. First, his length and route running gives Derek Carr a target with a vast catch radius. Next, the ball skills se him apart. As a result, despite tight coverage, Wesley will make the catch. By elevating above the corner, he gives his quarterback a vertical threat. For the Raiders, Wesley helps in the red zone. Imagine Carr finding him on the fade. Whenever his team enters the redzone, look for him. For his strengths, Wesley does not possess elite speed, which is the reason why he stock sits at Day Three.
The Oakland Raiders still need offensive fine-tuning, despite stockpiling wide receivers, an infusion of youth could not hurt.
