NFL Oakland Raiders

Top 5 WR Oakland Raiders Must Target In The 2015 NFL Draft

Top 5 WR Oakland Raiders Must Target In The 2015 NFL Draft

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) dives for a ball throw behind him during the second half of a game against the LSU Tigersat Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 20-13
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It is no secret that NFL teams who draft well have the most success. Now that the Raiders have found a franchise quarterback in Derek Carr, Oakland must now turn its attention in building the best core of receivers for Carr through the 2015 NFL Draft.

Here are the top five wide receivers the Oakland Raiders should draft in the first round.

5. Jaelen Strong, Arizona State

Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) catches the ball during the first half of the territorial cup against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium.
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jaelen Strong, Arizona State

Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) catches the ball during the first half of the territorial cup against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium.
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Jaelen Strong had his best season with the Sun Devils in 2014. Strong pulled in 82 receptions for 1,165 yards and 10 TDs. While he may not have the speed of an elite runner, his ease at creating separation surely makes up for it. With his height (6-foot-3) and strength (212 pounds), Strong can easily fight off defenders in the red zone and win jump balls against most of the larger corners in the league.

4. Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma

Missouri Tigers wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (15) attempts to catch a pass as Murray State Racers cornerback Darrian Skinner (23) attempts the tackle during the first half of the game at Faurot Field
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

4. Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma

Missouri Tigers wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (15) attempts to catch a pass as Murray State Racers cornerback Darrian Skinner (23) attempts the tackle during the first half of the game at Faurot Field
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Dorial Green-Beckham is considered a second or third round pick with first-round talent in this year's draft. It has been reported that Green-Beckham might not have the work ethic that the NFL demands and could benefit from a strong coach like Jack Del Rio. With that being said, he is an exciting prospect with amazing physical abilities. Even at 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, Green-Beckham has the speed to be a legitimate vertical threat.

3. DeVante Parker, Louisville

 Louisville Cardinals wide receiver DeVante Parker (9) catches the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

3. DeVante Parker, Louisville

 Louisville Cardinals wide receiver DeVante Parker (9) catches the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

While DeVante Parker might not posses the elite speed (40 time: 4.60) of a top five wide-out, he is still one of the most well-rounded receivers in the draft. He has size, strength, quickness, body control and excellent route-running abilities. While at Louisville, Parker missed the first seven games with a broken foot. However, he still posted 43 receptions for 855 yards and five touchdowns with the six games he had left in 2014.

2. Kevin White, West Virginia

West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White (11) catches a pass while be defended by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Deshazor Everett (29) during the game in the 2014 Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

2. Kevin White, West Virginia

West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White (11) catches a pass while be defended by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Deshazor Everett (29) during the game in the 2014 Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

West Virginia star Kevin White has similar characteristics as Atlanta Falcons' Julio Jones. Even with the Mountaineers' issues at quarterback last season, White was able to post big numbers of 109 receptions for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, White would be a large target for Carr in the red zone and has the downhill speed to outrun the fastest corners in the NFL.

1. Amari Cooper, Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) runs the ball past Missouri Tigers defensive back Aarion Penton (11) during the first quarter of the 2014 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome.
Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

1. Amari Cooper, Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) runs the ball past Missouri Tigers defensive back Aarion Penton (11) during the first quarter of the 2014 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome.
Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Considered the best receiver in this year's draft, the Raiders cannot go wrong with selecting Amari Cooper from Alabama. Cooper is tall (6-foot-1), big (210 pounds) and fast (40 time: 4.40). He also totaled 124 receptions for 1,727 yards with 16 touchdowns with the Crimson Tide in 2014. Cooper would be a substantial upgrade at the wide receiver position for Oakland and the best pairing for Derek Carr.


James Forsythe is an NFL contributor at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim , “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Share Tweet