Las Vegas Raiders 7-round mock draft after first wave of free agency

Prior to the NFL Combine, the narrative regarding Chase Claypool was whether or not he would embrace the move to tight end. However, once he hit the field in Indianapolis for the on-field portion of the combine, that statement was put to rest. Claypool posted a 4.42 40-yard dash, exceeding the expectations for someone who measured in at 6′ 4″, 238 pounds.

At the next level, Claypool projects as an X-receiver and could even see time as a big slot pass-catcher. Claypool’s physicality constantly overwhelmed his opponent during his time at Notre Dame, which led to a superior catch radius. His route tree is fairly limited but with good enough speed and a big body to box out his defenders, Claypool should do just fine in the NFL just as he did in the college ranks. I’d expect him to see a lot of action on goal-line formations, receiving a ton of 50/50 balls.

While Claypool would be the Raiders’ second wide receiver taken in this mock draft, it’s an area they must improve with a wide receiver one, as well as, depth at the position. They have been slowly improving this position group this offseason, but using two picks in the first three rounds on wide receivers makes them better immediately.