During the 2019 season, there were flashes of brilliance from the Raiders’ offense. They were at their best when they could hand the ball off to Josh Jacobs or target Darren Waller in the passing game.
But as the season went on, teams started to take away Waller and forced Derek Carr to rely on his “lesser” weapons. For the Raiders to avoid falling into that same trap again, the team needs to find a true No. 1 receiver that can be relied upon during the game’s biggest moments.
In a recent article by Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report, he listed the need for a No. 1 receiver as the team’s most significant hole entering the offseason. Take a look at why Gagnon believes it’s such a need and who they could target this offseason:
That whole Antonio Brown thing obviously backfired on the Raiders, who essentially operated without a No. 1-caliber wide receiver in 2019. Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow are strong players, but they need an elite, game-changing outside option to make life easier on quarterback Derek Carr as they transition to their new home. It would be the ultimate coup if they could bring back Amari Cooper after collecting a first-round pick for him, but more realistic options include Robby Anderson and A.J. Green.
While Amari Cooper rejoining the team isn’t likely, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if the team did target Robby Anderson or A.J. Green. Anderson was a player the team tried to trade for at the NFL Trade Deadline and Green might just be the most proven receiver on the market.
But if the Raiders decide to ignore their wide receiver need in free agency, expect them to target a top-flight receiver in the 2020 draft. And at pick No. 12, they should be able to secure one of CeeDee Lamb from Oklahoma or Jerry Jeudy from Alabama.
If and when the Raiders find their next No. 1 receiver, expect the offense to instantly make a leap as he should open up coverage for players like Waller and Hunter Renfrow, as well as running lanes for Jacobs. Addressing this need will be the team’s toughest task this offseason.
