2020 NFL Draft: 5 best team fits for Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb
By Ian Higgins
Quarterback: Derek Carr
Receivers: Tyrell Williams, Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow
A new flashy home paired with a new flashy receiver. As the Raiders move to the strip, there will be a distinct identity change from the gritty, devoted fanbase of Oakland to the bright lights and swagger of the desert city.
After the failed experiment of Antonio Brown, Oakland managed a 7-9 record without a true number one receiver. Rookie Josh Jacobs broke out as a top running back, ranking 8th in rush with 1,150 yards. Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow have both been pleasant surprises, providing consistent output from game to game and giving Carr consistent targets to dump off to. With the three players previously mentioned, (now) Vegas has 3 of the 4 offensive weapons for a complete offense:
- Punishing running back
- Physically imposing tight end
- Technical slot receiver
- Dynamic wideout*
Tyrell Williams has so far failed to rekindle his success from the Chargers, and a player such as Lamb possesses the perfect build and skillset to become a prototypical number one wide receiver. Derek Carr (seemingly) looked forward to playing alongside talent like Antonio Brown but could look to help develop a promising rookie like Lamb.
From a business side, many teams embrace the identity of their home city with how they play and their general mentality (ex: LA Rams & Tennessee Titans). The former Oakland Raiders had created a gritty, grinding identity that matched their fanbase and city, but now moving to Las Vegas that will need to change to be financially successful. A talent like Lamb is a great step in the right direction to evolve the Raiders’ identity.