Raiders address glaring issues in latest 2022 NFL two-round mock draft

The Raiders could select a pass rusher or a cornerback in the second round, but we’ve seen the lack of talent at wide receiver. Yes, the team could go after a prized free agent. That’s one option. The other could be picking up George Pickens. He’s the six-foot-three 200-pound receiver from Georgia, a downfield threat that would fill the missing link in the Raiders’ passing offense.

Pickens didn’t surpass 1,000 yards receiving in college but what he lacked in yardage he made up in what he did with each catch. In each of his last three years, Pickens averaged nearly more than 14 yards per catch for the season.

In fact, he was 10th in the SEC in 2019 for receiving yards per reception with 14.8 that year. He has reliable hands but it is his route-running and separation that helps him stand out.

The Draft Network highlighted those strengths, particularly the latter.

"“He is a good route-runner. He understands how to attack leverage against man coverage. He also has the skill set to run the entire route tree. He gets good separation at the top of the route. He has good body quickness and speed, which makes him a dangerous threat.“"

When you see him on film, the separation is painfully obvious. He runs crisp routes, but that’s only part of what he does. He has the big-play ability by using his lengthy frame and creating separation as he gets downfield, despite missing an elite burst. A true vertical threat, something that the Raiders need.