Las Vegas Raiders new big and bad receiving corps

Jan 22, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during a NFC Divisional playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during a NFC Divisional playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mack Hollins (86), makes a touchdown catch on a pass from Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1), late in the second quarter against the New York Giants during NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium Sunday in Miami Gardens.Giants V Dolphins 22
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mack Hollins (86), makes a touchdown catch on a pass from Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1), late in the second quarter against the New York Giants during NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium Sunday in Miami Gardens.Giants V Dolphins 22 /

Las Vegas Raiders new big and bad receiving corps

Mack Hollins and Demarcus Robinson

Mack Hollins is a player that possesses sneaky quick breakaway speed and can get away from a defender quickly. Not only that, Hollins has very refined route running skills. During his introductory press conference in Las Vegas, the former Dolphin stated he’s confident with his route running abilities, to the point he feels he can run the slot. If the film has anything to say about that, he’s got a point.

Now, of course, Hunter Renfrow will be glued to that slot position when available, but having versatility is only a positive thing. Hollins’ quick acceleration and good footwork make him a threat on shorter throws, whether he’s inside or outside. Combine that with his 6’4 height, and this is a player who has all the tools to create, made evident by his 15.9 yards per catch last season.

Demarcus Robinson is another one of those guys who can break away from the defender quickly. He has great acceleration and a history of producing big plays. You might be thinking about him playing with Tyreek Hill through the entirety of his career, and how that might be the reason he’s found some success creating. In 2019, Hill missed four games and Robinson made sure to step up.

In these four games, Robinson averaged 70 receiving yards, with a big chunk coming against the team he now plays for. In a week-2 match that had the Raiders face off against Kansas City, Robinson totaled 172 yards through the air with 2 touchdowns, showing that he can perform without Tyreek Hill. In the last game of the 2020 season, Hill sat out, and Robinson recorded 58 yards on a 6-for-7 catching percent.

The Silver and Black have done everything in their power to turn this receiver-corps around, and on paper, it looks like a success. As much as it appears to be a complete turnaround, I can’t shake the feeling this isn’t done. I’m looking at the draft, thinking there’s enough receiver talent late to add more top-speed, which might be something McDaniels wants. Even if that doesn’t happen, though, this new unit is big and bad.