The Las Vegas Raiders have embraced a new beginning with Fernando Mendoza and Klint Kubiak as their quarterback and coach combo of the future. But the roster is far from complete for them to be a threat in the AFC.
One key area for this team is going to be the wide receiver spot. After losing some depth over the last few seasons, Kubiak has made it a priority already. Now, one analyst believes they could get the perfect piece in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Raiders Need More Help for Fernando Mendoza
For the time being, it appears the Raiders are moving forward with Cousins as the starter, before eventually easing their first overall pick into the role. However, even with a long runway, the team is severely lacking playmakers.
Kubiak himself made note of this when he admitted, “We’ve got to get a lot better very fast. We took a step backwards; that doesn’t mean we can’t go forward, but right now we are trying to find someone that is accountable and can help us on Sunday.”
While fans have dreamed up potential trades or adding some depth in free agency, Hail Mary Sports is advocating a more patient approach. Rather than pulling the trigger on a move immediately, he believes the best option for the Raiders lies through the draft.
“You do need someone who could be an every-down wide receiver one, and that is what Cam Coleman is. When you do see these wide receivers that are built phenomenally well, have an incredible catch radius, and are on the way up, and in my opinion, a little bit more well-rounded than Jeremiah Smith.”
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Through two years at Auburn, Coleman has already tallied over 1,300 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Last season, he ranked at number 185 in PFN’s CFB WR Impact Metrics, but another leap for him in his junior year could change his trajectory in a hurry.
“For a team that just needs someone to be a true one, you can’t go wrong. And those types of receivers go this high. So we’re going to be going after Cam Coleman.” It remains to be seen if he is the answer that the Raiders have been looking for.
But with a rookie quarterback that they’re hoping can be a franchise cornerstone, pairing him with other elite talent has to be a priority for the Raiders. If they are near the top of the draft next year, then finding the right playmaker for Mendoza could make or break the team.
