Raiders should pursue another young WR after losing out on Marvin Harrison Jr image
It was a very disappointing week for the Las Vegas Raiders, something no one expected against the New England Patriots.
The Raiders couldn't get anything going on either side of the ball, allowing 45 points to a New England team that frankly hasn't been that great much of the season, especially offensively.
It's tough to get a feel for what the Raiders might do over the next couple of weeks as the NFL trade deadline approaches.
At 3-2 and in a position to compete for a playoff spot if things go as planned, they should look to add on both sides of the ball.
With youngster Fernando Mendoza eventually getting the keys to the offense over the next year or so, any wide receiver help could also be a priority even if Las Vegas isn't in a spot to make the playoffs.
After the Marvin Harrison Jr. trade, some Raiders fans hope the team will make the necessary moves to get Mendoza a guy in the future. Among the potential options, Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars was recently listed.
“If the Raiders are hoping to find a young wide receiver they can have for the next several years, Brian Thomas Jr. may be the best option available. The former Jacksonville Jaguars first-round pick was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL as a rookie, but he struggled with drops in his second season and doesn’t seem to have much of a role in the offense in his third season.
“Similar to Harrison, he may just need a fresh start. At 24, he could be exactly what the Raiders are looking for. However, according to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, the Jaguars don’t plan to trade the wide receiver,” Austin Boyd wrote.
Thomas and Harrison are completely different receivers in how they play, but they share some similarities in production.
Coming out of LSU, there was a lot of hope that Thomas would be one of the best in the NFL. Harrison was viewed as a generational prospect at Ohio State and hasn't lived up to the hype.
Thomas should come at a lower price than Harrison, since the Houston Texans moved on from a second-round pick and more. If the Raiders are okay with that, they should consider it.
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