NFL Free Agency 2019: Predicting the Oakland Raiders biggest moves

Wide Receiver Goes from One Gruden to Another

Despite acquiring Brown, the Raiders could still pursue a wide receiver on the open market. Keep in mind, Jordy Nelson only has one year left on the books, going into his age-34 season.

The draft comes with an unknown as to who’s going to be available in certain spots. It’s best to sign a player at the position who isn’t going to break the bank then focus on a big-body rookie wide receiver who will eventually replace Nelson. If the prospects fall in the Raiders’ favor, quarterback Derek Carr could work with a full deck in September and heading into Las Vegas.

Similar to Clinton-Dix, (Jon) Gruden may ask his brother (Jay) about a player from last year’s Washington Redskins roster. The lead skipper in the nation’s capital should have more intel on wide receiver Jamison Crowder, who spent four seasons with the club.

The Raiders need a slot wideout. It’s possible Mayock has his eyes on an incoming prospect, but there’s no guarantee he’ll land that player. For now, Oakland should take a dive into the wide receiver pool, which isn’t a group of top-flight talents, but there are solid slot options.

Tyrell Williams is the ideal acquisition, but he’ll draw a competitive market and likely command top dollar because of the unimpressive pool of free-agent wideouts.

During his tenure in Washington, Crowder served as the primary slot wideout and led the team in receiving yards (789) during the 2017 campaign. Before missing seven contests because of an ankle injury last year, he missed one game. As a shifty pass-catcher, who can take handoffs in the backfield on a few trick plays, the 25-year old is an intriguing option for the Raiders.

In Gruden’s offense, quarterback Carr frequently throws short passes, which allow his receivers to extend plays after the catch. Crowder could develop into a “YAC” monster in Oakland. He’s also a capable punt returner with 86 returns for 677 yards and a touchdown.