Raiders 2022 NFL Draft: Some intriguing WR options on Day 3

Raiders Day 3 Wide Receiver Option No. 2 – Makai Polk, Mississippi State

The former Cal Bear made the most of his transfer to Mississippi State, accumulating nine touchdowns in his sole 1,000-yard-plus collegiate season. While Polk’s 40-yard dash time of 4.50 at the combine didn’t turn heads, his film shows solid in-game speed with the potential to become a vertical threat in the NFL.

Polk is a rare mix of size (six-foot-three, 195 pounds with 32 and a quarter-inch arms), quickness, and agility. His size will create matchup problems at the pro level as he can line up virtually anywhere. Much more than a physical mismatch or decoy, Polk has sufficient explosiveness off the line to beat press coverage, and once he’s downfield, that is where he’ll shine.

He regularly blew by defenders in college and was able to capitalize on his large frame, often dominating defensive backs and catching tough passes all over the field. His route-running is deceptively smooth, and when combined with his size and hands, he’ll become a reliable option once he transitions to the pros.