It’s likely too early for anybody to start thinking too heavily about the 2027 NFL Draft, but there’s no doubt the Las Vegas Raiders already have a list of players they’ll keep a close eye on. Considering the team hasn’t done much to upgrade their wide receiver room this offseason, that will be a big need to address next year.
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is considered the prize of the 2027 class, but there should be some other really strong wide receiver options. The Raiders have done enough good things this offseason that they likely won’t be drafting high enough to land Smith.
If he’s off the board when Las Vegas drafts, Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman is a name to watch. In Jordan Reid’s 2027 mock draft for ESPN, he predicted the Raiders to select Coleman with the No. 5 pick.
“There haven’t been two receivers drafted in the top five since 2003 (Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson), but that could happen in 2027 with Coleman and Smith,” Reid wrote. “Coleman excelled in two seasons at Auburn despite inconsistent QB play, finishing last season with 56 catches for 708 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Transferring to Texas and pairing up with Manning could unlock even more production, as he’s a sure-handed target with good hands. That would be ideal for the Raiders, who need a No. 1 wide receiver to help the development of this year’s top pick, Fernando Mendoza.”
Joel Klatt Also High on Coleman
Coleman spent his first two seasons at Auburn before transferring to Texas this offseason. He’s now going to a big-time program and will catch passes from Arch Manning, who was projected to be the No. 1 pick in Reid’s mock draft.
There are a lot of good wide receivers in college football who could fly up the draft board, but even Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt sees Coleman as an ascending talent.
“Head coach Steve Sarkisian revamped the offense with some portal players, including wide receiver Cam Coleman,” Klatt wrote. “Watch out for Coleman, who I think can have a monster year and made my way-too-early top-10 2027 draft prospect list. You can see guys like wide receiver Ryan Wingo also having a big year, too.
“The offensive line was also revamped, and Will Muschamp returned as defensive coordinator. Edge rusher Colin Simmons joined Manning and Coleman on my way-too-early top-10 2027 draft prospects list as well.”
Makes Sense Raiders Skipped WRs Early in Draft
The Raiders were widely projected to use their second-round pick in the 2026 draft on a wide receiver. Instead, the team decided to add safety Treydan Stukes. They ended up not taking a wide receiver until the sixth round.
While the position is still an area of concern, the Raiders had problems all over the roster. Wide receiver was likely on their radar, but with the way the board fell, they decided to focus on defense.
The Raiders do have talent. Jack Bech was a second-round pick last year. Dont’e Thornton is 6-foot-5 and runs a 4.3 40-yard dash. Tre Tucker is coming off a career year, and Jalen Nailor is expected to be a bigger impact player with an expanded role. There’s enough potential in the group to warrant giving them a year to see who steps up.
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