The Oakland Raiders are looking to make a splash in the NFL draft and after trading for Matt Schaub, the team is targeting Sammy Watkins with the number 5 overall pick and with the Cleveland Browns also in the mix, the two teams could look at other receivers like Mike Evans, Brandin Cooks, Marqise Lee, Kelvin Benjamin and Jordan Matthews in the later rounds.
The Raiders were in the mix for DeSean Jackson before he signed with the Redskins and while the team brought in James Jones as a free agent this offseason, they still need more on offense for Schaub. The team signed back Darren McFadden and also added Maurice Jones-Drew, but the draft presents another opportunity and according to ESPN.com, the Raiders will look to take Watkins with the number five overall pick if he is available. The St. Louis Rams and Cleveland Browns are number two and four also could be in the mix and that means names like Mike Evans and Marqise Lee also could move up.
Watkins looks to be the best wide receiver in the class this year and he put up some blazing speed during the combine and was massively productive in college. In two out of his three seasons in Clemson he had 12 touchdowns and over 1,200 yards and last season he had 101 catches for 1,464 yards to set career highs. Watkins should translate well to the NFL with his size and the way things are going in the league and he has great hands and explosive ability as a returner. Watkins could go as high as number two and he likely will not fall out of the top 10 and he could make a nice tandem with Denarius Moore along with younger players like Brice Butler and Mychal Rivera.
Mike Evans is a prime target for teams as well and he had some massive games last season and finished with nearly 1,400 yards on just 69 catches while averaging over 20 yards per game. Evans is looking to be a top 10 pick as the draft gets closer and many teams are looking at him as an option, including the NY Giants and Minnesota Vikings. The Giants pick at number 12 and need a receiver to replace Hakeem Nicks and he could be the pick. Kelvin Benjamin had a nice season with 1011 yards and over 50 catches along with 15 touchdowns and he is expected to be a first round pick this year as well.
The Raiders need some extra firepower on offense, as they lost their top rusher in Rashad Jennings to the Giants. The team has been one of the most active in free agency and they have added Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley as well as James Jones. Jones could be a very solid option for Schaub, as he has good hands and a knack for the red zone and the offensive line should be better as well after signing Austin Howard and Kevin Boothe. Reggie McKenzie has high expectations this season and adding Watkins would be huge for that.
