While we know of Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock’s love of Clemson and Alabama, the Las Vegas Raiders have also found some success in looking for guys on this side of the country as well — with UCLA’s Kolton Miller being the latest example. With that in mind, we reached out to one of the West Coast’s college football experts — Yogi Roth of the Pac-12 Network — to get his take on some local guys as well as the big picture.
1) Hey Yogi, thanks for stopping by! Everyone talks about how great this receiver class is, and they all seem to agree on the “top three”. Are there guys outside the top three who you think will be Pro Bowl level receivers / true No. 1 guys?
Roth: From Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, CeeDee Lamb, Tee Higgins to Laviska Shenault there is no shortage of talent at wide receiver this year, and each of those guys also has a reputation of being students of the position. Add in Michael Pittman Jr, Isaiah Hodgins, Brandon Aiyuk and there are tons of wideouts that I think can be NFL players for the next 5+ years. Some may find success earlier than others but overall this class is full of polished routes runners who understand how to use their body in space, and that is what will allow them to find success.
2) What’s your scouting report on Jordan Love? Some people think Gruden may not be able to help himself there!
Roth: I haven’t been around him a ton but the staff at Utah State raves about him as a young man and when you watch him play, his ability to create within chaos and make it feel organized is a unique trait. On offense, the NFL is trending where college already is and I think the team that recognizes that will choose him. I don’t think he is as consistent as a passer as the other top QBs but his ability to throw on the move is worthy of a first round grade.
3) Who is a guy (or two) that is projected as a Day 3 guy that you feel like just isn’t getting the credit he deserves?
Roth: Evan Weaver. He was the most productive LB in college football by 20 tackles, doing what his position was asked to do better than anyone in the nation. He has a drive that is uncanny and will make a roster and contribute in a way that will make a special teams coordinator thankful he is on the team.
4) Last one: Jaylon Johnson from Utah is a guy you’re probably pretty familiar with. PAC-12 folks treated him like an elite corner, while draft people have him as a fringe first-rounder. Where do you land on him?
Roth: I have known Jaylon since he was a freshman and he is elite. Long arms, zero wasted movement and a competitive temperament that is special. Add in that he graduated in 3 years, has a laser focus about him and that he was asked to operate on an island since he arrived in Utah and I think he will be a starter day 1 with a Pro Bowl ceiling.
