Las Vegas Raiders stacking talent at wide receiver with Bryan Edwards
The Las Vegas Raiders made their fourth selection of the 2020 NFL Draft, choosing Bryan Edwards out of the University of South Carolina.
The Las Vegas Raiders made their fourth selection of the 2020 NFL Draft and drafted their third wide receiver, bringing in Bryan Edwards from the University of South Carolina. Wide receiver was a major need coming in to the offseason that was not addressed through free agency so loading up on the position in the draft was expected, though maybe not to this extent.
After the selection of Henry Ruggs III and Lynn Bowden Jr who are speedy receivers on the smaller side, the Raiders were in the market for a big target for quarterback Derek Carr and they get just that in Edwards. The former Gamecock measures in at 6’2” and 212lbs and can come in and contribute immediately as a target in the middle of the field.
He is known for making physical catches and is adept at using his large frame to box out smaller defensive backs.
Edwards was unable to do any drills at the NFL Combine due to a broken foot but clearly the Raiders felt good enough about his game tape and interview to take him on Day 2. After four years as a starter in South Carolina, Edwards leaves the school as the leader in career catches and receiving yards and had a reception streak that lasted an incredible 48 games.
Word around is that Edwards would have been a second round selection at least if he was able to participate in the scouting drills. When you look at this Raiders wide receiver room now, you have to believe that it is a definite strength.
Now that the Raiders have used three of their four picks on wide receivers and weapons for Derek Carr or Marcus Mariota, it is more than likely that they will turn their attention to addressing either the backup RB position or the defensive side of the ball. Bowden played running back at Kentucky, and could be a solid mix with Josh Jacobs and Jalen Richard on this Raiders offense in 2020.