2022 NFL Draft: Realistic picks at 86 where Raiders come out on top

2022 NFL Draft: Realistic picks at 86 where Raiders come out on top

Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis

Calvin Austin is a speedster on the outside, which frankly, the Raiders could use in a big way.

When we talk about polished receivers projected to go in the third round, this is the cream of the crop; Good route-running ability, great hands, and elite separation ability. Austin III recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in his final two years at Memphis, notching 20 total scores in this timeframe.

Per Pat McAfee, both the Lions and New York Jets made offers for Deebo Samuel, with some reports suggesting the 10th overall pick was involved in the New York deal. Ultimately, San Francisco declined both.

Why am I talking about teams trying to trade for Deebo Samuel? Simple: Austin’s game is very Deebo Samuel-like.

In just 8 rushing attempts, the Memphis wideout totaled 164 rushing yards (21.1 yards per carry), with 3 touchdowns in the mix. Of these touchdowns, one includes an 83-yarder on a designed run, and another, a 69-yard score.

The downside with Austin is his height, being 5’9, which is why we’re talking about him potentially being available at pick no.86. Considering Austin won’t be the premier wideout in Las Vegas, there’s no reason to deem this as too much of a red flag.