The Las Vegas Raiders fan base is excited after a beautiful day two haul that has everyone clamoring for football this fall. The Raiders added depth at their primary position of need, which was wide receiver.
The best move for Day 2 was the trade back with the New England Patriots. This helped the Raiders add another pick in the fourth and fifth rounds.
After one of the longest Day 2 drafts we have watched, the Raiders finally made all three of their picks. Let’s get to these grades.
Pick No. 80 – Lynn Bowden WR/RB, Kentucky
Grade: A
Raiders already drafted the first-round receiver with the addition of stand out prospect Henry Ruggs. The Raiders decided to double up in the third round by adding versatile athlete Lynn Bowden from Kentucky.
Bowden is a weapon that can help this offense right away in different ways. He can play running back, wide receiver, return kicks, and even play quarterback.
The former Wildcat was 6-2 as a quarterback for Kentucky this past season in emergency duty after injuries. He became a leader after off the field issues, and that is known as an item the Raiders love. The Raiders plan to play him at running back to start
Speed seems to be the theme for the Raiders on offense and even in free agency. Adding Nelson Agholar displays that philosophy is here to stay. The Raiders are ready for the track meet and spread offenses of the NFL today.
Pick No. 81 – Bryan Edwards WR, South Carolina
Grade: A+
Instead of a double up, let’s go ahead and triple up on wide receivers. The Raiders went ahead and added another weapon to the offense in physical wide receiver Bryan Edwards from South Carolina.
Edwards is the all-time leader in receptions, yards and is third in touchdowns for South Carolina. He is a player that fell in the draft because of injuries and not having a chance to display his talents at the senior bowl. Edwards is a good route runner who provides plenty of yards after the catch and toughness that Mike Mayock And Jon Gruden love.
Edwards might produce higher than Ruggs with his experience beating press and winning against top competition at the line. The Gamecock stand out might be the steal of the draft if he can develop into his potential.
Pick No. 100 – Tanner Muse S/LB, Clemson
Grade: C+
When you start drafting after pick 100, it’s when you want to take bets on raw players with high athletic upside. Enter Tanner Muse, who played safety at Clemson but projects to a linebacker at the NFL level.
The Muse pick was a little rich, but we all know Mayock was dying to take a Clemson player. Muse athletic profile is off the charts, and he was able to produce displaying good instincts and always being around the football.
Muse diagnosis plays well, which led to him grabbing two interceptions with 5 passes defended on the season. However, there were better players on the board when they made this pick and its why they get a lower grade.
Muse has incredible upside as a linebacker if he can put on weight while he waits behind players like Cory Littleton. He can help right away with special teams being a gunner during punt coverage as well. Muse provides depth at the linebacker position, which is needed with how may injuries the Raiders have been facing the past two seasons.
