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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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 27: Chris Olave #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /

4. Chris Olave

Olave has fallen behind collegiate teammate Garrett Wilson in the eyes of the scouting community, but he’s still a strong bet to hear his name called somewhere in the middle third of Round 1. He may not fall all the way to the Raiders at 22, but he should be an easy choice for Las Vegas if he does.

The former Buckeyes’ standout might be the best route-runner in the class. He combines that with above-average speed to create lots of separation on short and intermediate throws. That doesn’t mean he can’t pop up with a big vertical play on occasion. It just signifies that his bread and butter will be keeping the chains moving for the offense that drafts him.

Lining him up on the boundary opposite Bryan Edwards with Hunter Renfrow in the slot would put serious pressure on opposing secondaries. Deciding who to double team on a per snap basis would become a real challenge for Raiders’ opponents.

Olave might not have All-Pro potential but he’s a strong bet to develop into one of the best No. 2 receivers in the NFL early in his pro career. That makes him good potential value for Las Vegas at No. 22.

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