The 2026 Raiders WR Room

[RunOverByHubbard]

Some here have argued for drafting a WR pretty high up and certain mock drafts have us taking one high up. Before we sewed up the #1 pick and when we were in the 4-7 ranges, mock drafts had us taking a WR. For me, because we have Bowers and Mayer, I think there is enough on the roster to work with and we should take a WR in the middle rounds at the highest. We have speed in Thornton and Tucker and I don't know much about the other speed-burner, Dorsett. Given our TEs, I would think we need a possession type guy but I don't know much about the guys here other than Bech who has those qualities. What do you think of the group and what should we do next?

Name, ht and wt, years a pro, college and 40 time:

Jack Bech 6-1 214 23 2 TCU 4.55 40
Phillip Dorsett II 5-10 185 33 9 Miami 4.33 40
Shedrick Jackson 6-1 198 26 1 Auburn 4.25 40
Jalen Nailor 6-0 190 27 5 Michigan State 4.5 40
Brenden Rice 6-3 210 23 2 USC 4.5 40
Justin Shorter 6-4 227 25 4 Florida 4.55 40
Dont'e Thornton Jr. 6-5 205 23 2 Tennessee 4.3 40
Tre Tucker 5-8 182 25 4 Cincinnati 4.40 40
Dareke Young 6-2 224 26 5 Lenoir Rhyne 4.44-4.47 40 time
(from 2025, Alex Bachman and Tyler Lockett are UFA's)

[BoKnows81]

It's the point where it seems we need a nose tackle more than oline help. But oline is also a great way to go.

NT is not as in demand as an offensive tackle, thus why you can get one later. Added into that is, NT is deep this year. I'd like to see a NT in Day 3. I'd even argue that FS is as big a need bc Pola-Mao is garbage.

[Rabidraider]

NT is not as in demand as an offensive tackle, thus why you can get one later. Added into that is, NT is deep this year. I'd like to see a NT in Day 3. I'd even argue that FS is as big a need bc Pola-Mao is garbage.

I hope they get a great nose tackle because without one the 3-4 will be a huge hole in the middle of the defense. They need a dynamic nose tackle to make this work in my opinion.

The oline is already much better with Liddy and JPJ moving to guard. And like many have said coaching up last years rookies.

[RI RAIDER]

NT is such a hard position to fill, especially in todays game.

[Coach dd 11]

I still say we make a run at Taylor Decker and then it is who the like best at the 2nd round.
Heck, I'd be all for signing a couple more cheaper VETS as some suggested but the questionmarks are really what this staff thing of guys like Grant, Glaze, Rogers and Mafi. That would really say if we need more OT & OG.

I'd also argue that FS is worse than DT, yet both are areas of need. Then it comes down to who you think you can get an when in the draft. I like Haulcy, Ramsey, Clark and Taaffe for S.

[DanKD]

I think we need to pump the brakes on having to draft a specific position with pick #2 or #3. This isnt a one year job. Draft bpa, any needs remaining look for stop gaps after the draft and to address them more long term next offseason.

[Opoponax50]

Much like the O-line, we really don't know what we have in the WR room due to bad coaches and schemes. Becht showed flashes when he was allowed on the field and so have others, so maybe it's not as bad as it seems. We drafted two guards last year but they barely saw the field.

One of the reasons I think we still struggle this season is because so much evaluation is needed. It's a like a malfunctioning car where it could be one part that's causing multiple problems or it could be several parts that need to be completely replaced. Either way, it's going to spend a lot of time in the shop.

[Rabidraider]

I think we need to pump the brakes on having to draft a specific position with pick #2 or #3. This isnt a one year job. Draft bpa, any needs remaining look for stop gaps after the draft and to address them more long term next offseason.

BPA but at the same time for either line. There has to be someone at 36 that fits the bill.

The buy the shinny new car guy in me wants a wide out....but that wouldn't be the smartest thing to do.

My gut says someone will fall into the bottom of the first and Spy will jump up and grab him on day 1.

[haji81872]

Back to WR. I think Nailor is going to be very good for us. I really like that signing.

Bryce Lance is a guy I would pound on the table for in the fourth. Catches everything. Tough, good blocker, Some people were concerned about his speed, then he ran 4.34. Some thought he wasn't explosive, then had a 41 inch vertical. They said he had below average short area quickness then posts a good 3 cone time and an excellent 20 yard shuttle.

I wouldn't reach for him, but if he is there in the fourth I would jump.

[Rabidraider]

Back to WR. I think Nailor is going to be very good for us. I really like that signing.

Bryce Lance is a guy I would pound on the table for in the fourth. Catches everything. Tough, good blocker, Some people were concerned about his speed, then he ran 4.34. Some thought he wasn't explosive, then had a 41 inch vertical. They said he had below average short area quickness then posts a good 3 cone time and an excellent 20 yard shuttle.

I wouldn't reach for him, but if he is there in the fourth I would jump.

I agree. He was behind two studs and I think Coach knows he has a hidden gem.

[erickench]

I don't know why everyone criticises our wide receivers. I think Tucker is on the verge of becoming a no.1 receiver. Every year he has improved and will eventually be a 1000 yard receiver if the Raiders would give him a chance to do so. Jack Bech could be an excellent power slot. They wouldn't give a chance last year. His catch rate was over 50% whereas fellow rookie Thornton couldn't catch a cold.

[mstrbass2000]

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/chris-bra ... 819fe8c8c6

this kid ran a 4.37 40 at 6'5 202 at the combines

[raiderjohn]

I agree. He was behind two studs and I think Coach knows he has a hidden gem.

Agreed, Kubiak has worked with him and in the least, in Kubiak's mind, he's a 2. Leaving Tucker the 1. Bech/Thornton warring it out for the 3. Again, with Bowers our one is not the typical 1.

[DrDUne]

It's a horrendous room, but can't fix it all in one offseason - particularly with Maxx back.

I'm far more concerned with the offensive line. The passing game still runs through Bowers.

[Jeevo]

Tucker isn't what I think of when I think of a #1 WR and I don't think he will become that guy given his size (he won't become Hill either). For all his speed he's not going to be beating guys on fly routes or winning contested catches downfield. He's a good complimentary slant/crossing route guy though who can burn you with his feet if he gets it in space, but I'd still like us to try to get the prototypical #1 type.

[Cruisin with Tooz]

Tucker isn't what I think of when I think of a #1 WR and I don't think he will become that guy given his size (he won't become Hill either). For all his speed he's not going to be beating guys on fly routes or winning contested catches downfield. He's a good complimentary slant/crossing route guy though who can burn you with his feet if he gets it in space, but I'd still like us to try to get the prototypical #1 type.

Not this year. I think the best we can do this year is add a stopgap older player on a 1 year deal to tide us over to 2027 draft. Keenan Allen for about 8-9 million fits the bill. This is just as well. If somehow you could get a true #1 to pair with a rookie qb, he would spend much of the season idling anyway.