Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock added more offensive fire power for Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and the offense in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Raiders entered Friday with back-to-back picks in the third round and stayed there without trading into the second round. They previously traded away this year’s second-round pick to the Chicago Bears as part of the Khalil Mack trade.
After staying put, the Raiders added a couple of explosive pieces with RB/WR Lynn Bowden, Jr. and wide receiver Bryan Edwards (81st overall).
Bowden, Jr. is an interesting piece that adds versatility to the Raiders offense. He has experience playing at wide receiver, running back and quarterback for the University of Kentucky. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Raiders will likely start with him at running back.
And yes, Las Vegas plans to play him at RB at the beginning. But he can also play WR and more. https://t.co/JU188zKLi4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2020
Regardless, Bowden gives the Raiders offense versatility by allowing Gruden to move him around to create matchup problems. Bowden, Jr. also has experience as a kick returner. He will also help spell Josh Jacobs, who the Raiders drafted last year in the first round.
With the very next pick, the Raiders took wide receiver Bryan Edwards out of the University of South Carolina.
Edwards was highly productive in four years at South Carolina, totaling over 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Both players join an offensive group that already added the speedy wide receiver Henry Ruggs III at 12th overall.