3 NFL Draft prospects the Raiders should avoid

2. Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver, Alabama

Waddle is a truly electrifying wide receiver prospect who has a chance to blossom into a star at the next level. On the surface, that makes him a logical candidate for the Raiders at No. 17.

That description also happens to describe the Alabama wideout that Las Vegas selected in the first round of last year’s draft. Waddle is just too similar to Henry Ruggs to justify becoming the team’s number one pick this year. The Raiders need to avoid the temptation of adding another dynamic wideout in favor of strengthening a different position.

In particular, Gruden might need to be talked out of pounding the table for Waddle if he’s still available when Vegas goes on the clock. The idea of starting a receiving corps with Ruggs, Tyrell Williams, Waddle, and Darren Waller at tight end is intriguing enough to make Gruden’s head spin.

It’s up to Mayock and other front-office officials to advocate for prioritizing substance over style here. Specifically, the Raiders need to think long and hard about using this pick to find an edge rusher capable of fortifying the team’s uninspiring pass rush. Passing on that need to add another wide receiver would be poor roster management by Las Vegas.