Oakland Raiders free agency 2018: Top 5 targets

2. Sammy Watkins

The Raiders will most likely cut Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper is coming off a very disappointing season. Even if Crabtree were to hang around, which is highly unlikely, wide receiver would be a need for the Raiders.

Gruden’s West Coast system puts a premium on wide receivers with size and strength that can get off of press coverage, something Cooper struggles with, and work the middle of the field, often with slant patterns. Gruden wants receivers that are productive after the catch as well. This is also an offense that could use more speed.

Watkins didn’t put up big numbers in his lone season with the Rams, but his tape is far more enticing than this stats. Watkins can stretch the field, but also is well built and can excel in the short passing game and with the ball in his hands. Can the Raiders afford Watkins? That will be tough for sure, but you have to think that Gruden would do everything in his power to have Carr throwing to the combination of Cooper and Watkins for years to come.