{"id":59746,"date":"2019-03-02T21:23:26","date_gmt":"2019-03-03T02:23:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=59746"},"modified":"2019-03-02T21:23:26","modified_gmt":"2019-03-03T02:23:26","slug":"oakland-raiders-draft-dk-metcalf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/03\/02\/oakland-raiders-draft-dk-metcalf\/","title":{"rendered":"The Oakland Raiders Should Draft D.K. Metcalf"},"content":{"rendered":"

D.K. Metcalf<\/strong> has been the biggest riser during this year\u2019s NFL combine. Initially projected as a fringe first-round pick, Metcalf\u2019s combine performance has shot him up draft boards, getting the attention<\/a> of the New York Jets<\/a>, who have the number three pick in this year\u2019s draft. There is a void at wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders<\/a> and mutual interest. If Al Davis<\/strong> were alive, he\u2019d probably insist on taking Metcalf with the fourth overall pick. While this might not be the best decision for the Silver and Black, the Raiders should try to do whatever they can to draft the\u00a0big-bodied receiver.<\/p>\n

The Oakland Raiders Need to Do All They Can to Draft D.K. Metcalf<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Ridiculous Measurables<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Just looking at Metcalf, it is obvious he is a physical freak of nature. At 6’3″ and 225 pounds, he is built like a linebacker. He conjures up images of some of the more physical wide receivers like Terrell Owens <\/strong>or Calvin Johnson<\/strong>. Now after the combine, his hype has only grown<\/a>, and with it, his draft stock.<\/p>\n

He was measured to have less than two percent body fat, meaning he is all 225 pounds of muscle. He used it to put up 27 reps on the bench press. The next closest wide receiver managed just 15. However, he then capped off a masterful performance by running a 4.33 40 time, which seems almost impossible for a man his size. For those that want to see the big man run, check out the footage below:<\/p>\n

\n

At 6’3″ and 228 lbs, D.K. Metcalf put up an INSANE 40-yard dash time ?<\/p>\n

?: NFL Network pic.twitter.com\/tlQ9HOM1LL<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 2, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Seems to be Mutual Interest<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Even before Metcalf\u2019s magical 40-yard run, head coach Jon Gruden<\/strong> seemed to be drooling over him. Gruden was asked a question about how he evaluates defensive backs, but he somehow brought up Metcalf in his response<\/a>, noting how he is the biggest wide receiver he has ever seen. He went further than that, comparing him to former Raider great, Tim Brown<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

There also seems to be mutual interest. Metcalf spoke about his experience meeting Gruden, and new general manager Mike Mayock<\/strong>, calling it a \u201cgreat experience.\u201d He said he felt he could be himself around the two, something that is necessary for optimal production from a player.<\/p>\n

Concern Over College Production Could Make Him Drop Draft Day<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Metcalf will undoubtedly experience a surge in his draft stock after his pro day, but his draft stock is still relatively volatile. This is mostly because he was not exactly the most productive college wide receiver. In 2017, he only caught 39 balls for 646 yards. His senior year, he only appeared in seven games, catching 26 passes for 569 yards. He did put up 12 touchdowns<\/a> during that span, however.<\/p>\n

The other thing that scares teams is the injury he suffered to his neck that ended his final college season. Obviously, it seems to be behind him now, as he was cleared for contact, and was full-go at the combine.<\/p>\n

The question now is just where Metcalf goes. Initially, he had a late first-round grade on him. This looked perfect for Oakland, who owns the 24th<\/sup>, and 27th<\/sup> pick in this draft via trade. They also own the number four selection. This makes things tricky. It really doesn\u2019t make a ton of sense to take Metcalf with the fourth overall pick with so much top-end pass rushing talent this year. However, there is still time for the Metcalf hype to die down before the draft, and his stock to level out.<\/p>\n

Should he fall to them with one of their late first-round picks, it would be a no-brainer to select him. The team may even consider moving up to draft him if he\u2019s still there in the middle of the first.<\/p>\n

Visions of Old School Raiders<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Many Raider fans have already been watching Metcalf closely since wide receiver is obviously a need after trading away<\/a> former first-round pick, Amari Cooper<\/strong>. As of now, Jordy Nelson<\/strong>, who will be 34 by the time the 2019 season kicks off is their starting wide receiver. When Gruden mentioned Metcalf in the same sentence as Tim Brown, that definitely got people\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

Sure, Oakland could use their three first-round picks on defense, but they also might not. After all, during Gruden\u2019s first stint as head coach, he fielded one of the top offenses in football with Brown, Jerry Rice<\/strong>, and Rich Gannon<\/strong>. Since Oakland already has a quarterback with a big arm in Derek Carr<\/strong>, perhaps Gruden really \u201ckicks it old school\u201d this year and goes all in on offense. Heck, maybe if Metcalf is there at 24, Gruden pulls the trigger. Then, if he wants to truly make waves, he trades away the 27th<\/sup> pick for another Brown \u2013 Antonio Brown<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Hey, it could happen.<\/p>\n

Oh, and perhaps the best quote from Metcalf came when he was asked about 50-50 balls:<\/p>\n

\n

D.K. Metcalf calls 50-50 balls 99-1 balls. He said the 1% he doesn’t catch are probably because the quarterback makes a bad throw.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) March 1, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If that isn\u2019t enough to get Raider fans salivating, nothing will.<\/p>\n

Main photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>