One of the most underrated wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft would be a perfect fit for the Raiders, and he knows it, too
There's no secret that the Las Vegas Raiders need a wide receiver. Whether they add another one in the 2025 NFL Draft or through free agency is a different story. And, they could do both, or they could only do one, depending on who it is they get. For the Raiders, there is a certain […]
There's no secret that the Las Vegas Raiders need a wide receiver. Whether they add another one in the 2025 NFL Draft or through free agency is a different story. And, they could do both, or they could only do one, depending on who it is they get.
For the Raiders, there is a certain type of wide receiver that they need. They don't need a superstar guy who is going to take away touches and targets from Brock Bowers. They have the perfect No. 1 in Jakobi Meyers, a guy who doesn't demand the things a normal No. 1 demands, but can be a No. 1 whenever the Raiders need it. In fact, he had a career season last year.
They don't really need the short, fast deep threat, as they have that in Tre Tucker. They don't really need the tall, big end zone threat, because that's kind of what Bowers and Meyers are or can be if needed. But, they need an elite No. 2 guy who can be a No. 1 in a game if Meyers is taken away, and they need a playmaker who is just going to get open.
They can get that on Day 2 or even Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. In fact, a guy who fits that perfectly, but still wouldn't cost a Day 1 or Round 2 pick, also happens to know that he is a great for for the Raiders on and off the field.
"I love this city so much," UNLV wide receiver Ricky White said at his pro day on Monday. "I would love to come back here and be a Raider. I love this city. Since 2022, when I first got here, it's just been welcoming so much. Since I have been here, to the city, the community, UNLV, the alumni, academics, everything about it. I'm thankful."
White is already engraved in the culture, the stadium, and the city and community. Why not take a guy who has some elite route running traits, great hands, but is also willing to do all of the dirty work. And, I do mean dirty work.
Last season, White led the NCAA in blocked punts and kicks. He loves playing special teams, and he has a knack for it. I'm not saying he would do that in the NFL, or even for the Raiders, but he can if needed. It just shows he has the mentality and mindset to do whatever it takes, and that's similar to the culture the Raiders will have in place.
And his offensive game ain't too bad either.
In 2023, White was seen as one of the best receivers in the entire country. He had just under 1,500 receiving yards and finished the season with a Pro Football Focus grade of 93. Last year wasn't as good, but when you think about the fact that they have a revolving door at the quarterback position, and they ran the ball far more than they passed it, White's 1,000 receiving yards and career high 11 touchdowns were pretty good.
As far as percentiles go, and where White falls, he ranks near the very top in yards per route run and receiving grade. The tape is there, but he's being mocked in the third round. He would be a steal for the Raiders, and the best part is, he wouldn't have to move. If the Raiders want to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers for a spot high in the AFC West, they'll need plenty of weapons around former Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith.
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The Raiders need to get this right regardless.
