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2020 NFL Draft: 5 options at Pick No. 12 for Las Vegas Raiders

By Jordan Alexis

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb #2 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before the game against the LSU Tigers in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb #2 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before the game against the LSU Tigers in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is congratulated by his teammate Henry Ruggs III #11 after scoring a first quarter touchdown reception against the Clemson Tigersin the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is congratulated by his teammate Henry Ruggs III #11 after scoring a first quarter touchdown reception against the Clemson Tigersin the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs III

The receiver group for Alabama this season was genuinely ridiculous, with as many as four players that could end up being first-round picks in the next two drafts. The two entering the draft this year were the best of the bunch, and both would be great for the Raiders.

Jerry Jeudy is in a fight for top receiver in the class with CeeDee Lamb, and it is because he has almost no flaws in his game. Jeudy wins at all three levels with quickness and elite route running that has him compared to Odell Beckham.

He also has strong hands and the long speed to take the top off a defense on any play. The only thing a team may have concerns about is his smaller frame (6’1, 190lbs), but beyond that, he is about as ideal a receiver prospect you can find.

So how could someone of his skill drop to 12?

It would come down to the needs of the team drafting in front of the Raiders. The only team that is in pressing need of a wide receiver that early are Arizona at eight. At that point, it becomes a matter of preference. If the Cardinals go Lamb, there’s a good chance Oakland could get Jeudy and vise verse. The declaration of Tua could also push a team up for trade, which only enhances the chances of one of these two falling to Las Vegas.

Ruggs III, on the other hand, has been a popular mock draft pick for the Raiders and would quickly solve the team’s lack of speed on offense. Legit 4.2 speed, Ruggs III is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball, and from an on the field perspective seems like a Tyreek Hill type difference-maker. However, Ruggs III is not just a speedster but also has the skill of a true receiver with the ability to make catches in traffic. And despite only being 6’0, he is capable of winning jump-ball situations with his strong hands and leaping ability.

The route running is still developing, but his level of speed is something that can affect defenses to the point where it opens up everything else for the offense.

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