NFL Draft Rumors: Oakland Raiders prefer Mike Evans over Sammy Watkins?
By Bryan Rose
To say the Oakland Raiders have had a rough time regarding their recent first round draft picks would be a severe understatement.
Five of Oakland’s past eight first round draft picks are no longer in the NFL, so understandably the Raiders are doing as much homework as they can to avoid a similar failure this go around.
Many have assumed the Raiders are looking to increase their amount of offensive weapons and could opt to use their No. 5 selection on a wide receiver.
For most of the offseason, Texas A&M’s Mike Evans appeared to be the favorite of NFL GM’s but in recent weeks, Sammy Watkins of Clemson has appeared to take over the perception of top wide receiver available. But that may not be a sentiment shared by the Raiders front office who might prefer Evans over Watkins, this according to Pro Football Talk.
"As one league source who is as connected on matters of the draft as anyone explained it to PFT, the Raiders are believed to prefer Evans to Watkins. The question becomes whether both are still on the board at No. 5, and whether the Raiders choose to pick a receiver."
ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated that a ‘wide receiver needy team in the top 10’ preferred Evans over Watkins as well, so it’s very possible the two reports could jive together.