The Las Vegas Raiders need help almost everywhere for next season.
While quarterback remains the most well-publicized need the Raiders have, who the team has under center will need targets to throw to. Getting a quarterback is pointless if they cannot develop properly because there is no one on the other end to catch passes.
With that in mind, getting players to help take the pressure off of Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers would be considerably helpful. For that reason, adding one or two receiving threats in this draft should be considered a top priority for the Raiders.
So who should the Raiders be looking at in the draft?
Tre Harris, Ole Miss
Depending on how much the Raiders value the receiver position, Harris could be a name the team circles on drafting early.
Harris does not profile as the standard big-bodied receiver. While the six-foot-three, 210-pound Harris is not going to blow past defensive backs, he is not aiming to bully them on 50/50 jump balls either.
Instead, Harris offers intriguing route running capabilities that are uncommon to find in receivers like him. While his route tree is not too complex due to Ole Miss’ offensive scheme, his football IQ should allow him to expand on that rather quickly.
On top of that, he has the strength to win contested catches against defensive backs, as well as do his job in run blocking.
Xavier Restrepo, Miami
The Raiders have lacked a consistent threat in the slot since Hunter Renfrow in 2021. Restrepo can change that.
Right away, Restrepo stands out as a prospect NFL scouts could easily fall in love with. While his size likely limits him to the slot at the NFL level, Restrepo boasts one of the highest compete levels in the class.
What he lacks in pure athleticism, Restrepo makes up for with timely physicality and sure hands. More agile than fast, Restrepo can shake off defensive backs by breaking off to where the ball is going to be and getting to an area of the field where only he can make the catch.
Having a Heisman finalist and highly-scouted quarterback like Cam Ward throwing him the ball certainly helps with scouts, who have seen Restrepo serve as his main target throughout the season.
Tai Felton, Maryland
Every year, prospects climb up draft boards by way of a strong draft season. Felton has been one such prospect this year.
Emerging as the premier receiving threat for the Terrapins this season, scouts have started to grow accustomed to Felton’s game. Similar to Harris and Restrepo, Felton wins his battles through pure technique instead of relying solely on speed and athleticism.
Felton has superb route-running chops at all three levels of the fields, gaining separation and being able to produce yards after the catch. While his ceiling is to be determined by his athletic testing, Felton has one of the safest floors among his peers due to his easily-translatable skill set.
Ricky White III, UNLV
Could the Raiders draft a local product to help bolster their receiving corps? With how White’s game is something the Raiders currently lack, it is definitely possible.
White has shown the ability to serve as a serious vertical threat for the Rebels over the last two seasons. While he lacks elite size (six-foot-one, 190 pounds), he is still able to get separation and has the necessary speed to pull away from defensive backs.
Even if White’s game needs refinement in some areas, the reason why scouts will ultimately value him highly is his contributions on special teams. With four blocked punts this season and versatility on many of UNLV’s special teams units, White will earn his keep early in his career in that aspect of the game while he develops into a top receiver.
Nick Nash, San Jose State
It is safe to say that the secret is out on Nash.
A quarterback convert, Nash’s path to becoming one of the most prolific wide receivers in the nation has been as awe-inspiring as it has been unconventional. While there are still nuances to the position Nash has yet to master, he does have a unique size-speed combination that allows him to win at the collegiate level.
Obtaining that same success in the pros could be a project, but Nash offers considerable upside at the next level. His quarterback experience gives him the ability to read defense and know where the soft spots in coverage will be, and he has the speed to break off downfield to create explosive plays.
Five quarterbacks the Raiders should target in 2025 NFL Draft
