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Raiders 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Las Vegas gets explosive on offense

By Alexander Monfreda

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 03: George Pickens #WO23 of Georgia runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 03: George Pickens #WO23 of Georgia runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

2022 NFL draft (with Chark) under year 1 of the Las Vegas Raiders new regime.

Georgia. GeorgePickens. 53. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 28. WR. player

As mentioned early on, WR DJ Chark is likely not enough to turn this thing around on his own. Enter: Georgia’s George Pickens. I’ve covered Pickens a lot throughout the years, and to be honest, he may very well be the best all-around outside receiver in the draft.

Pickens comes in at 6’3, runs a 4.40, has a phenomenal release, possesses great footwork and is able to haul in a variety of passes. When it comes to being a receiver, this guy has it. All of it.

The concerns are found elsewhere, which is why Pickens was never coveted as a top pick, despite being an elite talent.

Unfortunately, the Bulldog has a clear history of missing time with injury. In 2020, Pickens was only able to play in eight games. 2021 was no better – In fact, it was even worse. Pickens was only able to appear in four games, although he did return for the NCAA playoffs, helping Georgia win a championship in his final year.

Many scouts claim a downfall with Pickens is he isn’t versatile, as he’s really only an outside receiver. For Vegas, this plays right into their hands. With Hunter Renfrow locking down the slot and Darren Waller being a focus over the middle from the tight end position, Pickens will feast.

Although this mock is under the stipulation Vegas signs DJ Chark in free agency, make no mistake; Pickens is a guy the Raiders should consider with or without the Jaguar on board. Pickens will carry his elite receiving abilities to the NFL, and if he can stay healthy, one team will be very lucky.

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