Previewing the Oakland Raiders 2016 NFL Draft options by ranking the ten best wide receivers.
Though they have recently invested a first-round draft choice in former Alabama receiver Amari Cooper just last year, the Oakland Raiders still lack depth behind their top two receivers. Look for Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie to add another pass-catcher on Day 2 or 3 of the 2016 NFL draft.
With Cooper and Michael Crabtree thriving as quarterback Derek Carr’s top two options, Seth Roberts, a former undrafted free agent in 2014, has emerged as the Raiders’ go-to-guy in the slot. Roberts’ inconsistent play and lack of polish could force Oakland to upgrade the slot receiver position, but he is still working to develop his skills after just one full season in the NFL. Roberts had 32 receptions for 480 yards and five touchdowns in 2015, via ESPN.com.
Whether or not Oakland wants to add a rookie receiver to compete with Roberts for a starting slot position, the depth behind him is also inconsistent and relatively unproven. While former Florida receiver Andre Debose has yet to have an opportunity to have an impact at receiver in the NFL, Andre Holmes has been severely inconsistent despite having solid size (6’4”, 223 pounds) and speed for the position. In 2015, Holmes had just 14 receptions for 201 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games, via ESPN.com.
With 2015 third-round pick Clive Walford expected to have an increased role in his second year in the league, Carr could manage with just the three or four solid weapons currently on the roster, but adding another impact player on the outside could be what takes the Raiders’ offense to the next level.
In order to have an idea of what type of receiver class the Raiders would be getting themselves into, here is a list of the top ten receivers in the 2016 NFL draft.