Las Vegas Raiders: Non-first round 2020 picks who must have an impact in 2021
Bryan Edwards
The former University of South Carolina receiver did not fall to the Raiders on Day 2 due to production. In fact, the former Gamecock shattered the school record for receptions and yards.
The “injury flag” was there during the draft process, as Edwards missed the latter part of the season in college due to injury. This explained the fall in the draft for the talented and large receiver.
In the small sample, we did see of Edwards in the 2020 season, he showed a knack for exceptional route-running and solid hands. His size should provide huge support to quarterback Derek Carr, and now, with the departure of number one receiver Nelson Agholor to the New England Patriots, the pressure is on the shoulders of Edwards and fellow rookie Henry Ruggs.
The Raiders did add some veterans in John Brown and Willie Snead, but this is more for depth, as none of these receivers are likely to feature as a true number one. Edwards, if he can stay healthy, should see a much higher snap count in 2021, and will hopefully be able to provide some solid level of production to erase the loss of Agholor.
The sky is the limit for the 22-year-old receiver and he could surprise many this season as he looks to feature more for the Raiders.