The Las Vegas Raiders head into the 2024 NFL Draft with a wide receivers room with Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker as its marquee players. That’s a formidable group, but it lacks one ingredient: outside speed.
While the Raiders must address their three greatest needs — quarterback, right tackle and outside cornerback — they are missing a deep threat in their lineup. To get the most out of Luke Getsy’s West Coast system, they need to find more speed on the outside. Remember, the Raiders finished 23rd in offensive scoring last season. They have offensive needs, and another outside wideout is undoubtedly on their list.
Read more: Top Las Vegas Raiders needs in 2024 NFL Draft
When could the Raiders target at wide receiver?
Considering the three needs we outlined above as the team’s priority, we will look at wide receiver prospects in the NFL Draft this year from rounds three through five. It’s a deep wide receiver draft outside of superstar first-rounders like Marvin Harrison, Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze, so there are possible difference-makers to be had when the Raiders could go that route.
Let’s look at four wide receiver prospects to watch out for and their fit for the Raiders and new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s offense.
Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
Strengths: Imagine a reunion between Michael Penix Jr. and Polk, who played together at Washington. Polk showed his strength as a deep threat by excelling at tracking the ball over his shoulder. Standing at 6-2 200 lbs, he combines size with speed to help him elude defenders on deep routes. His time at Washington has sharpened his abilities against top-tier defensive players, demonstrating his capacity to adjust to throws and maintain possession through contact.
Weaknesses: On the downside, Polk’s route-running repertoire is somewhat limited. He needs to expand it to thrive in the NFL. Improving his burst off the line is crucial to avoid getting blocked by physical cornerbacks in the NFL.
Fit: In Getsy’s system, Polk could be seen as a promising player with significant potential. His ability to make plays fits well with a strategy that relies on running plays to set up passing opportunities. This could position him as an asset during play-action scenarios where his deep-threat skills stand out.
Read more: 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings: 10 best wide receivers in 2024 draft class
Johnny Wilson, Florida State
Strengths: Wilson has a commanding presence at 6-5 230 lbs. His physicality sets him apart, allowing him to outmatch cornerbacks. He started his career at Arizona State, along with Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce and Jayden Daniels, before transferring to Tallahassee. With body control and a knack for high-pointing the football, he excels in fade routes and red zone situations. His strength gives him an edge to shake off press coverage and secure catches in spaces.
Weaknesses: Wilson’s size hinders his agility, resulting in somewhat rigid routes and slower acceleration compared to smaller, quicker receivers. This might pose a challenge in an offense that prioritizes cuts and precision.
Fit: Wilson brings a dimension as a large target who thrives in physical matchups. In a West Coast offense scheme, his prowess could be instrumental in converting third downs and capitalizing on red zone opportunities where his distinct skills shine.
Brenden Rice, USC
Strengths: Rice comes from football royalty as the son of legendary NFL player, Hall of Famer, and former Raider Jerry Rice. Known for his sure hands and deep ball skills at USC, Rice stands tall at 6-2 205 lbs with the athleticism needed to excel as an outside receiver.
Weaknesses: While he has great hands and has shown growth in route running, there are concerns about his consistency during games. He occasionally struggles with precision in his routes and has concentration lapses that lead to disappearing acts on the field. His speed is decent but not enough to outpace faster NFL cornerbacks consistently.
Fit: Rice could bring a physical presence to the Raiders as a wide receiver, complementing Adams on the outside. His skill in coming down with contested catches would make him a valuable target in Getsy’s scheme, which values intelligent and resilient receivers capable of making plays in tight situations.
Read more: Brenden Rice, son of Jerry Rice, stars in USC win over Colorado
Jalen McMillan, Washington
Strengths: He stands out for his speed and precise route-running abilities at the collegiate level. His talent lies in creating separation with routes and explosive starts off the line of scrimmage. McMillan is also skilled with his hands and understands defensive coverages well, allowing him to locate openings in zones effectively.
- Jalen McMillan stats (career): 164 receptions, 2,143 yards, 13.1 yards per catch, 17 touchdowns, six rushing attempts, 46 yards, 7.7 yards per carry, one touchdown
Weaknesses: There are areas for improvement. McMillan’s stature (6’0″ 185 lbs) might raise concerns about his durability, especially in the physical NFL environment. Overcoming press coverage from defenders could also present a challenge for him.
Fit: McMillan could excel in Getsy’s system, which values speedy and precise route runners. His ability to stretch the field and make plays after catching the ball would dynamically change the Raiders’ passing strategy, giving Gardiner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, or a rookie quarterback a dependable target on mid-range and deep passes.
As the Raiders aim to strengthen their receiving unit in the mid-to-late rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, these four prospects offer diverse qualities that could elevate their vertical passing game. Each player possesses skills that align well with Luke Getsy’s West Coast offense, filling gaps in the Raiders lineup and introducing a fresh dimension to their anemic offense.
Read more: Top 10 QBs in Las Vegas Raiders history: Find out where Derek Carr, Rich Gannon land
