2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders all-offense 3-round mock draft

2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders all-offense 3-round mock draft

Things worked out pretty well the last time the Raiders took a receiver named Amari in the draft but this time they use the 48th overall pick, not a top-five pick, to select Amari Rodgers out of Clemson. The Raiders have two young promising receivers and signed John Brown this offseason but only to a one-year deal so an upgrade and some depth here makes sense.

Rodgers spent four years with the Tigers but was not a regular starter until his sophomore season where he established himself as a reliable target to Trevor Lawrence en route to winning the CPF National Championship. Rodgers improved year over year but did not have his breakout campaign until 2020 where he had 77 catches for 1,020 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games.

The former Tiger looks to be a versatile wideout that can contribute all over the field, having played both outside and in the slot during his college career. Measuring in at 5-10, 210lbs, Rodgers is built more like a running back and is excellent at racking up yards after the catch.

Rodgers quelled any concerns about his top-end speed by running a 4.44 second 40 at Clemson’s pro day and showed off his strength with 24 reps on the bench press. He is a mature prospect who can contribute right away on offense and special teams in the return game.

Teams may wonder about the lingering effects of his ACL tear in 2019 but he looks to be fully recovered and ready to go. The Raiders certainly don’t need a receiver, especially not this high in the draft, but Amari Rodgers is a weapon that Jon Gruden can plug in immediately and use all over the field.