
The Raiders need new receivers, maybe more than one from the 2019 NFL draft class. A positional overhaul is expected and, when looking at a shallow free-agent class at the position, selecting an amateur early and again later on could provide the raw talent needed to improve the Raiders passing game.
Head coach Jon Gruden and staff will work with several up close while coaching the North Team at the Senior Bowl. Here’s a look at who the Raiders will be coaching up during the practice week leading up to the Jan. 26 all-star game in Mobile, Ala.:
Keelan Doss, UC Davis, 6-3, 206
Gruden likes big receivers with solid hands, and this small-school product will be trying to impress a team in his own backyard. The Alameda native had an excellent career with the Aggies, totalling 321 recpetios for 4,069 yards and 28 touchdowns during his four college seasons.
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If he impresses the Raiders enough to warrant a selection, Doss could ride a bike to work. Until the Raiders move to Las Vegas, anyway.
Projected: Late-rounds
Emanuel Hall, Missouri, 6-3, 200
The Raider need a vertical threat, and Hall could be one found in the middle rounds. He was a burner with athleticism to spare and a producer over his last two seasons at Missouri, recording 70 receptions for 1,645 yards and 14 touchdowns in that span. He’ll have to show reliable hands and catching ability, even on deep passes, during Senior Bowl week to warrant strong consideration.
Projected: Mid-rounds
Andy Isabella, Massachusetts, 5-10, 195
Isabella isn’t a big guy or terribly physical at the line of scrimmage, but has solid change of direction, grit and finds ways to plays. He could be the shifty, productive slot receiver the Raiders haven’t had recently, so he’s someone to keep an eye. This is another small-school looking to show well on a bigger stage, proving that solid production wasn’t just a product of lesser competition. Analysts say he’s a good route runner who is adept at creating separation.
Projected: Late-rounds
Anthony Johnson, Buffalo, 6-2, 210
Johnson caught 133 passes for 2,367 yards and 25 touchdowns during his two seasons at Buffalo, with a knack for significant yards after the catch. Analysts say he has reliable hands and could be a solid possession receiver. He can play outside and in the slot.
Projected: Late-rounds
NFL
Terry McLaurin, Ohio State, 6-1, 205
McLaurin’s a big-school receiver who didn’t break out until his senior year, largely due to a talent logjam at his position. He had 35 catches for 701 yards with 11 touchdowns, averaging 20 yards per catch. Analysts say he’s an NFL-caliber route runner, something Gruden will like if that pans out during the Senior Bowl. He’s an athlete with room to improve, which could make him a developmental prospect.
Projected: Mid-rounds
Jakobi Meyers, N.C. State, 6-2, 203
North Carolina State a prep quarterback to receiver, and the position switch worked out well. He set a school record in 2018 with 92 catches for 1,047 yards in 2018, and has chose to turn pro after that. He can go up and get the ball and has solid hands, which could negate some struggled to create separation.
Projected: Late-rounds
Alex Wesley, Northern Colorado, 6-0, 184
Wesley was simply better than the smaller-school cornerbacks he was facing, and had 112 catches for 2,060 yards and 10 touchdowns over his last two years and North Colorado. He has a track background, and can stretch the field well. Match that will solid ball skills and you have an intriguing prospect worth watching during Senior Bowl week.
Projected: Late-rounds