Oakland Raiders: 5 Sleepers to target in 2018 NFL Draft
5. Byron Pringle, WR, Kansas State
The Oakland Raiders have made a major change to their wide receiver mix this offseason, signing veteran Jordy Nelson to replace the released Michael Crabtree. Crabtree was extremely productive in Oakland, but the Raiders felt that they were better off with Nelson making plays for them on the outside.
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Nelson has had an extremely productive NFL career catching passes from Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. However, he is certainly a step slow these days, and it showed last season as he struggled to create any sort of separation on a consistent basis. The Raiders’ starting wide receiver duo of Nelson and Amari Cooper is not terrible, but they do not inspire a ton of confidence either.
Finding a playmaking wide receiver who can stretch the field should be a priority for Oakland in the 2018 NFL Draft. If they end up waiting until the later rounds to fill this need, Byron Pringle would be the perfect sleeper target.
Pringle is a 6-2, 205-pound receiver who showcases fantastic speed and solid overall athleticism. He is a big-time threat in the deep passing game, showing the ability to fly by opposing defensive backs with his speed and consistently go up and make plays on the ball in the air.
Pringle has sneaky speed. When opposing defensive backs see his size, they do not account for him to have as much speed as he has. Once they realize how fast Pringle really is, it is too late.
The Raiders need big play upside on the outside and Pringle certainly fits the bill. Snagging him as a late round sleeper would be a strong move for Oakland.