This summer, the Las Vegas Raiders began a new era with Pete Carroll and John Spytek taking over as head coach and general manager. While these two men have long track records of success in the NFL, there is a sense that the Raiders may require a little more time to get things right. Many people want the organisation to choose a quarterback in the first round of the April draft, and there’s no reason to think they wouldn’t if given the opportunity.
However, NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice just created a mock draft in which such a scenario is impossible, and Spytek instead selects Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at No. 6.
In Filice’s mock selection, the Raiders stay at No. 6 instead of trading up for a potential franchise quarterback, allowing the New York Jets to pass them. This move by New York prompts Las Vegas to select a guy who reminds Spytek, a long-time Buccaneers executive, of wide receiver Mike Evans.
“After watching the Jets vault right over them to secure Shedeur Sanders’ services, the Raiders shift from passer to pass catcher, landing the big-bodied target who appears to be separating himself from the rest of this WR class,” said Filice. “Las Vegas is obviously set at tight end with the highly draughted duo of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, but the receiver room is headlined by Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker.”
Given that Meyers is the only real danger at wide receiver, Las Vegas most definitely needs assistance in the pass-catching area. McMillan is as pro-ready a prospect as you will find, having amassed over 2,700 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Arizona. Regardless of who is under centre for the Raiders, he should be ready to contribute on day one after being named an All-American in his final season of college.
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