5 players Raiders should draft in the first round

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 31: Jameson Williams #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on prior to playing the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – JANUARY 15: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders throws a pass in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals during the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Josh McDaniels is ready to remake the Raiders’ roster in his image. These five potential first-round picks could help Las Vegas in a hurry.

The Raiders managed to persevere through a healthy amount of coaching tumult to finish with a 10-7 record last season. That mark was good enough for second place in the murderous AFC West. The challenge facing new coach Josh McDaniels this season will be to find a way to improve upon that impressive feat next season.

McDaniels isn’t a coach that’s short on self-confidence so he’ll work hard to instill belief inside the Raiders’ locker room. It’s also a safe bet that he’ll make significant personnel and tactical changes. A big part of his offseason focus will be on transforming Derek Carr and the team’s aerial attack from good to great.

That will require the Raiders to add at least one high-quality wideout to the mix this offseason. Free agency could be a factor, but the plethora of high-ceiling wideout prospects set to go off the board in Round 1 will likely be too tempting for McDaniels to pass up. Las Vegas fans should keep a close eye on the following five prospects to don silver and black after being taken with the No. 22 overall selection.

5. Jahan Dotson

Dotson isn’t the biggest wideout in this year’s class, but his ability to create separation on intermediate and deep throws makes him an ideal fit to be a starter on the outside in Vegas. He’s just the sort of player who can help Carr’s efficiency by producing big plays after the catch or on throws over the top.

The former Penn State star’s draft stock is pretty cool at the moment since he didn’t blow anyone away at the Combine. There’s a chance he’ll slip into the top of Round 2 as a result. Consider him the floor for the type of player the Raiders should come away with in Round 1.

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