To get a better look at the Raiders’ roster and their NFL Draft needs, we’re taking a daily look at position groups. Today’s offering: Wide receivers
WHO’S HERE
Starters: Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards, Hunter Renfrow (slot). Backups: John Brown, Zay Jones, Willie Snead IV, Marcell Ateman, Keelan Doss, Trey Quinn
2021 OUTLOOK
For fans of instant gratification, Ruggs was a letdown as the No. 12 overall pick as each of the five receivers selected after him in the first round had more receptions and all but one had more yards.
But the Raiders knew Ruggs wasn’t a finished product when they drafted him because of his speed, and the way he flashed in the first game against the Chiefs as well as his last-second touchdown reception to beat the Jets directly contributed to two wins.
Both Ruggs and Edwards, a third-round pick who fell behind early because of injury, will in theory make their presence felt in a bigger way assuming they can be developed within the system.
The clamor for a so-called “No. 1” receiver doesn’t apply because the Raiders No. 1 is tight end Darren Waller. Rather, the Raiders will look to a variety of targets for quarterback Derek Carr that includes Ruggs and Edwards, Renfrow in the slot and Brown arriving in free agency in hopes of replacing Nelson Agholor.
Snead is another veteran who could contribute, although his veteran minimum contract indicates he’ll be running behind Jones, whose deal for $2.5 million for one season is reportedly guaranteed.
Ateman, Doss and Quinn will be hard-pressed to compete for the 53-man roster in this group, especially if joined by a draft pick.
Round 1 WRs in 2020
1/12 Henry Ruggs, Raiders, 26-452-17.4-2
1/15 Jerry Jeudy, Broncos, 52-856-16.5-3
1/17 CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys, 74-935-12.6-5
1/21 Jalen Reagor, Eagles, 31-396-12.8-1
1/22 Justin Jefferson, Vikings, 88-1,400-15.9-7
1/25 Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers, 60-748-12.5-5— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) April 17, 2021
DRAFT EXPECTATIONS
On three occasions during his tenure as general manager, Reggie McKenzie didn’t draft a wide receiver. That could be the case this season with Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock, considering what they’re expecting from Ruggs and Edwards from last year’s draft and the additions in free agency.
If the Raiders look to make a move on Day 2 or 3, it could be for someone with experience returning kickoffs. Punts are not an issue unless the Raiders would rather save Renfrow for slot duties rather than exposing him on punt returns.
Iowa’s Ihmir Smith-Marsette has good speed and returned 53 kickoffs for 1,520 yards with the Hawkeyes.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“I’m not disappointed in Henry. I think Henry’s got to get better. We knew how fast he is, but he’s got to get stronger and he’s got to get in and out of his breaks better. You’ve got to feel him coming out of his breaks more for him to get to the next level. And I think he will. But we’ve got a long-term view on Henry Ruggs.” — GM Mike Mayock
LOCAL OPTION
Simi Fehoko (Stanford)
PRIORITY SCALE (1 to 10)
6
10: Specialists
9: Running back
8: Quarterback
7: Tight end
