Should the Raiders Trade for DeSean Jackson?

Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports

If you were Reggie McKenzie, would you trade for DeSean Jackson or would you try to find a receiver in the draft? If used correctly, DeSean Jackson can be one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. He is without a doubt the fastest player on the field at all times and is a threat to score every time he touches the football. Yes, he has a big contract but with the Oakland Raiders cap situation being what it is money would not be the reason they do not make this deal in my opinion. DeSean Jackson is a weapon on the field and he will put fans in the stands, if he helps take this team to the next level I do not think you can put a price on that.

There is also a downside to trading for DeSean Jackson. The cost is most likely going to be one or multiple draft picks. The Raiders need every draft pick they can get so trading one for a player who might not be happy with your franchise is a risk the Raiders cannot afford to take in my opinion. DeSean has also been a headache for the front office in Philadelphia. Over the years there have been reports making it obvious to me that DeSean is not shy about wanting his money. If he comes to Oakland, is a distraction, and doesn’t work out, it’s another failed experiment by Reggie McKenzie and loss of a draft pick. The Raiders cannot pay that price right now.

The other option Reggie McKenzie has is drafting a receiver. This draft is extremely deep at the wide receiver position. There is a legit chance you can draft a player in the later rounds who will contribute immediately. With the number five pick, the only option at the wide receiver position is Sammy Watkins. Watkins is a tall receiver with blazing speed and good hands. He is definitely the best receiver in the draft but I do not believe he is worth the number five pick. If the Raiders did take Sammy Watkins at five I would not hold it against them because he appears to be a very good prospect but I would rather see them take a chance on a pass rusher or another area of need. The Raiders have plenty of holes to fill on this team and with the signing of James Jones receiver just isn’t at the top of that list. Owner Mark Davis has already let it be known the Raiders would probably go in another direction with the fifth pick. I could see the Raiders looking at receivers in the third or fourth rounds but it is tough to see them diving into the wide receiver pool any time before then.

If you ask me, drafting a receiver has just as much risk and reward as trading for DeSean Jackson and it is a lot cheaper. As much as I’d love to see Desean streaking up the field in the legendary silver and black, I would hate to see him become another one of Reggie McKenzie’s failed experiments. Especially if the pick that Oakland gives up turn out to be a good player, it would be a slap in the face of the Raider Nation.

Reggie McKenzie has made some good moves this offseason but he still has some huge decisions to make. What Reggie does over the next month or two can either make or break him as the general manager of the Oakland Raiders.