With the 2018 NFL Draft finally here, teams like the Oakland Raiders will finally have the opportunity to select the players they have been eyeing since the beginning of the offseason. The Raiders, now led by head coach Jon Gruden, have several needs along their roster and the draft is the perfect chance to replenish the team.
Parting ways with Michael Crabtree after agreeing on a deal with Jordy Nelson, Oakland seemed to be fine in regards to their stable of wide receivers. However, according to Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area, it appears the silver and black are adding Martavis Bryant to their ranks:
McKenzie clarifies…Bryant was traded for the No. 79 pick, which was acquired from Arizona package for No 10… https://t.co/8N8gWJkrWa
— Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) April 27, 2018
The Raiders moved back in the first round when they traded with the Arizona Cardinals and it seems they used their extra pick to grab Bryant from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bryant, who was only oft-used during his time with the Steelers during the 2017 NFL season, now joins a pass-catching corps of himself, Nelson and Amari Cooper.
The receiver is a legitimate downfield threat and should be able to stretch opposing defenses for Derek Carr and the rest of the offense. While there are questions about his character, playing for a head coach like Gruden should ease some of those concerns heading into the 2018 season.
It was a wonder as to how the front office would revamp the roster and making a move from someone like Bryant signals they are willing to spend resources to ensure Gruden has the players who fit his offense. As the 2018 NFL Draft continues, it will be interesting to see how the silver and black fill out the roster.
