Las Vegas Raiders: Ten 2021 NFL Draft Sleepers to know

Las Vegas Raiders: Ten 2021 NFL Draft Sleepers to know

Josh Palmer: Wide Reciever, Tennessee

• Consensus Ranking: #172

One of the hardest things to do in the draft is evaluate a prospect independently from their team situation. Looking at a player’s talent and being able to project their skill set to the NFL despite it not being fully shown in college is what separates the truly great front offices.

The Raiders have not yet demonstrated the ability to do that, but it only takes one draft to change it.

Wide receiver Josh Palmer did not have an awe-inspiring college career at Tennessee, never having over 500 yards in a single season. But when you saw him at the senior bowl, he displayed strong hands, physicality, and the ability to beat defenders down the field.

Tennessee used him mainly as a deep threat despite not having a quarterback capable of pushing the ball down the field. Because of that, he will need time to develop a full route tree. But the size (6’1, 210lbs), strength, hands, and explosiveness are things that can translate to the NFL nicely.

On day three, he is the type of prospect you take because the potential isn’t even close to being tapped. Palmer could quickly end up having a far more productive career in the pros than he did in college.