2022 NFL Draft: Early targets for Raiders No. 22 overall pick

Given the recent success of rookie wide receivers, such as the Cincinnati Bengals’ potential rookie of the year Jamar Chase, drafting a wide receiver in the first round is not as ‘risky’ as it was five years ago in the NFL. Unfortunately, while Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller are top-level talents in the receiving game, the team lacks a quality ‘X’ wide receiver.

Bryan Edwards has shown flashes but simply is not consistent enough. However, Drake London of the USC Trojans is more than consistently effective.

The 6-5, 210 pound Trojan star bears an incredible knack for catching the football no matter the circumstances. In addition, his height makes him a complete mismatch for many opposing defensive backs. However, for the Silver and Black, the offense needs someone who can rely on outside the numbers.

Drake London to the Raiders can rectify what happened in the 2020 NFL Draft

Henry Ruggs III’s speed on the football field made him a consistent threat, but when the team needed someone to make a play on an intermediate route – he wasn’t the answer. Instead, the argument could be made that the team should’ve chosen Justin Jefferson or CeeDee Lamb. Instead, they present themselves as more consistent and explosive wide receivers due to their talented route-running and natural receiving capabilities.

A Derek Carr extension looms large over the Raiders

Several questions now need to be addressed by the Las Vegas Raiders with the offseason here, particularly about quarterback Derek Carr.

Drake London possesses similar traits to both in that sense, but his height can make him something even more special than both players combined. The Raiders in the 2022 Draft have plenty of options, and the three players listed above would fill needs and talent deficiencies among the roster.