Derek Carr is expected to develop into a franchise quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, but he isn't going to get there without some help. In fact, it's a borderline miracle he threw for over 3,000 yards with 21 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions as a rookie given the lack of offensive talent on Oakland's roster.
As a result, the Raiders have been heavily linked to Alabama's Amari Cooper and West Virginia's Kevin White with the No. 4 overall pick in the draft. Although I lean towards Cooper, both players would give Carr a go-to weapon and aid his development.
But in a recent three round mock draft done by ESPN NFL Draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, neither player was selected by the Raiders. Instead, Oakland took USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams. You can't really blame them as Williams is considered by many to be the best overall prospect in this draft. Given that this is a deep year for WRs, the Raiders were projected to select USC's Nelson Agholor with the No. 35 overall pick.
"He's a steal here, helping to fill the Raiders' need at wide receiver after they got Leoonard Williams with the No. 4 overall pick," McShay wrote. "He'll be a versatile weapon for second-year QB Derek Carr."
Agholor hauled in 103 passes for 1,313 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Trojans last season. He may not be the most physically imposing receiver (6-foot, 198 pounds) but he has excellent speed (4.42 40-yard dash) and good arm length. He can separate from opposing defensive backs with smooth route running and good instincts.
Raiders fans would have to be happy if the draft played out like this. Williams, along with linebacker Khalil Mack and cornerback D.J. Hayden, are all excellent defensive building blocks and Agholor would give Carr some much needed help in the passing game.
