RADIO
The now-Las Vegas Raiders did not offer much to get excited about in fantasy in their last year in Oakland. Aside from outstanding rookie Josh Jacobs and the surprising break out of TE Darren Waller, there was little value to be had here. What does the draft have in store for this team? Can the additions help provide more stability in this franchise? Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.
The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.
As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.
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2019 Review
Not much was expected from the Raiders as we were going into the 2019 season. Derek Carr was coming off a down year and the weapons around him were iffy at best. But he took the negatives and turned in the second-best season in his career (finished QB16). Sure, his average depth of target (6.9) was the third-lowest in the league, but he was among the league leaders in accuracy and avoiding negative plays. Thus, he was accentuating the positives. He will be in a group of lower-tier QB2s in drafts and does not present a ton of upside to be excited about.
As for his pass catchers, Tyrell Williams started the year off very hot (five TD in his first five games), but after missing some time due to injury, he seemed to hit a wall and became an albatross for fantasy owners, finishing as WR47. With only 42 receptions on the year, Williams is not a true WR1 and would be better suited in a complementary role. That leaves a big need for this offense moving forward.
On the inside, Darren Waller caught a little bit of late hype heading into 2019 drafts and he paid off big time (TE2 in 2019) despite scoring only three touchdowns. The low touchdown total aside, Waller was a steady producer each week that owners could count on. Much of the same could be expected in 2020, but an increase in scoring is what could thrust Waller into the elite category.
The crown jewel for the Raiders offense last season had to be the play of rookie Josh Jacobs. Jacobs was a player that was on the line of RB1/RB2 production most of the season until he finally succumbed to injury. He looked great as a runner (1,150 yards and seven TD) but the lack of usage in the passing game (20 receptions) was a bit of a headscratcher and must be looked at by this offense in 2020. If Jacobs can maintain his health this season, the workload should be there to make him worthy of a first-round pick across all formats. But with an uptick in targets, he could see his name begin to be used in the same sentence with some of the game's best.
As for what's ahead for the Raiders as the draft nears? The team has a few needs across the board. Wide receiver could potentially be the biggest need as they need a bonafide true WR1. Tyrell Williams and the cast of characters is just not cutting it. The secondary will need to be addressed as well, as the Raiders were one of the worst in coverage in 2019. They should look to the middle of this defense as well. Whether it be on the interior of the defensive line or at linebacker, they need more playmakers there.
Las Vegas Raiders - 2020 Outlook
TEAM GRADES
Offense: 76.1 (13th)
Defense: 61.2 (28th)
Overall: 74.6 (22nd)
TEAM NEEDS
LB, WR, CB
First Selection (1.12)
Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama
Quite possibly the crispest route-runner to come out of college in years, Jeudy would give the Raiders exactly what they need - a true top-flight wide receiver for Derek Carr to work with. To go along with the route-running, his impressive top-end speed will be tough for most cornerbacks to match. He has excellent leverage on a ball that can shield defenders away as he high points them.
He can play from anywhere on the field, allowing the team to mismatch him in certain situations. Jeudy's hands can become a problem from time to time, but that's more a concentration issue that will be cleaned up with his work ethic. The landing spot with the Raiders may not lead to immediate fantasy success in 2020, but he will become a WR1 in this league and should be a high pick in all dynasty drafts, if not first overall.
Second Selection (1.19)
Kenneth Murray, LB Oklahoma
A playmaking linebacker with a pro-ready frame, Murray should become another vital piece as the Raiders rebuild this defense. His speed and ability to play sideline to sideline make him a highly coveted prospect. His burst allows him to make plays in coverage, but at times can cause him to over-pursue a play in the running game.
He has a knack for making plays behind the line of scrimmage as he hits the gaps extremely hard. He is a decisive player that takes chances, but for the most part, they pay off. I expect to see Murray become a very solid player at the next level and even has some appeal as an IDP prospect in fantasy.
Third Selection (3.16)
James Lynch, DT Baylor
Lynch is a powerful defensive lineman that can clog up the interior of an offensive line with his power. It still feels like there is untapped potential there that some teams will be glad to unlock. Even with his thick frame, he possesses explosiveness that will get him off blocks very quickly after the snap.
His lower body drive will help to push the line of scrimmage, freeing up linebackers for tackles for loss. Lynch doesn't have the greatest lateral quickness, leaving him open to being behind plays on outside runs. But all in all, Lynch is an above-average prospect that will eventually become an every-down starter in the NFL.
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