Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft “X” Receiver Targets

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Eric McAlister #WO30 of TCU speaks during a press conference at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Las Vegas Raiders have Tre Tucker, who is coming off a rather successful 2025 season and has continued to develop each season he’s been in the NFL. Additionally, the Raiders also have 2nd year second rounder Jack Bech who should slide into a versatile role working as a slot and Z receiver. In addition, 2025 fourth rounder Dont’e Thornton is likely going to be in a tough battle, for a roster spot, this year after struggling heavily in 2025 lacking separation, route running, contested catch abilities, and ranking pretty much bottom 10 in every stat I mentioned, plus EPA/target, yards/route run, and YAC/reception. The Raiders also added Jalen Nailor, who signed for an extensive contract banking on his development in the role, despite just 1000 career yards in four seasons for the Vikings. Las Vegas isn’t going to run a traditional offense under Klint Kubiak, they’re going to rely on heavy motion, a wide zone run attack concept, and spreading the ball out to their weapons. The Raiders aren’t going to have a true “slot” though if they do it’ll likely be Jalen Nailor as he’s thrived in that position majority of his career. Something the Raiders will need to address is their boundary X receiver, and luckily for Las Vegas there’s plenty of options in the 2026 draft that they can target to give assistance to Fernando Mendoza.

Before we begin in all this, I’ll breakdown briefly what each archetype/role is, and it’s a lot easier than the defensive line techniques:

*I will note this, your X isn’t your WR1, but they are often the top target, though the modern NFL has adapted to a slot based approach with your best weapon often aligning in the slot with designated concepts to create YAC and short area seperartion*

X: Typically the best receiver, but not always as mentioned above. Diverse route tree, usually bigger frames (6’2+, 190+). Strong physical receivers, need to get off press, work through space, and usually the strongside run blocker WR as well. Traditionally get used mostly on in multi level concepts, or ones that utilize the outside leverage of the cornerback. Not traditionally a true deep downfield threat, though they’ll usually have that ability as well.

Z: Versatile receiver, usually more of a boundary receiver. Works also as a slot, but also your traditional downfield receiver, can work on in breaking concepts, quick concepts, and YAC focused. Not traditionally on the LOS, work well getting downfield. Extremely diverse

Slot/Y: Works well in short area bursts, is able to generate “wiggle” and create separation quickly. Often the best, or among the best route runner, work well downfield, reliable quick targets. Diverse route concepts. Block well, the main goal is to create separation through short area quickness and burst, long speed is beneficial but not necessary. Need to be good in a phonebooth, not a swimming pool.

Very brief on the TE, cause we’re already here and Brock Bowers likes to complicate things (there’s also no real term for TE’s in the NFL comparative to say a DL technique or LB prototype, but there’s some consensus ones)

Y/Inline: Your inline TE, often bounded to the LOS and just off the left or right tackle’s hip. Outside is the D gap, between the T and their inside shoulder is the C gap. Usually blocking focused, also receivers. Work in short area bursts. Can also be the slot, but less likely now with teams usually having a TE on majority of concepts. Need to be blockers, your traditional blocking focused TE is always going to be a Y or just inline if you prefer and can attach Y to the inner most receiver, such as the slot.

Move: Big slot receiver, isn’t the traditional first inline TE, which in the Raiders concepts for 2 TE sets would usually be Michael Mayer which puts Bowers as the move. Have ability to swap between Y, slot, H-Back, and other diverse packages. Traditionally, athletic average blockers but primary work as a receiver. Good within 0-18 yards, can run downfield concepts also. Blocking can be a primary asset, but they usually aren’t used as the true blocker.

H-Back: Part fullback, part tight end. Is off the LOS, behind the tackle in certain wing concepts. Traditionally a blend of the Move and Y, blocks well. Is not the true fullback though. Imagine a TE aligned off the LOS, right behind the tackle and that’s your H-Back, will get into space quickly, can be a matchup threat. Expect Bowers to be used in the role at times this year under Kubiak.

With all that said and done, let’s look at the traditional X receivers that the Raiders can target this year, to pair with Tucker, Bech, and Nailor plus Bowers because well it’s Bowers.

Denzel Boston, Washington(Consensus: Late 1st to Early 2nd)

HT: 6’4 | WT: 209 | Career: 132 rec, 1781 yards, 20 touchdowns, 3.6% drop rate, 61.1% contested catch rate (22/36), 5.0 YAC/reception

• Boston has a low yards/zone route run which has indicated NFL success for receivers, though there’s also been success for prospects lower in that statistic. Boston is an extremely fluid mover, has great hips, can sink and drive on routes, shows a diverse route tree, and especially a threat in the redzone where he’s consistently targeted on quick in breaking or out breakers to create separation. He has a massive frame, is well able to go outside of his frame to create highlight real catches, and also shows good short area quickness. Boston will need to improve his route running at times, which can help vs zone, but shows the traits of a true boundary receiver

Chris Brazzell, Tennessee(Consensus: Mid to Late Day 2)

HT: 6’5 | WT: 200 | Career: 135 rec, 2061 yards, 16 touchdowns, 8.2% drop rate, 40.8% contested catch rate (20/49), 3.4 YAC/reception

• I know, I know, another Tennessee wide receiver but Brazzell isn’t the traditional Tennessee receiver like Jaliyn Hyatt or Thornton. Brazzell is an extremely good athlete, like the other two, but where he succeeds is having a diverse route tree in his career coming from Tulane, and is also a lot more fluid in his hips and lower body which allow him sink his hips, drive on the ball and be a better route runner. Brazzell is likely among the best true in breaking route runners in the class, as he’s able to sink, drive, and cut into his next route well with good explosion ability. There’s issues with his YAC, where he has struggled, though Tennessee did utilize him as a true quick hitter in his time with the Volunteers. Additionally, you’d like to see Brazzell be a little more physical as a receiver towards contested opportunities, though he also does showcase good ability to box out defensive backs and create space, with Tennessee having average QB play holding him back at times. There’s a chance Brazzell is more of a Z or slot receiver than true X at the NFL level.

Bryce Lance, North Dakota State(Consensus: Round 3)

HT: 6’3 | WT: 209 | Career: 127 rec, 2155 yards, 25 touchdowns, 3.8% drop rate, 61.5% contested catch rate (24/39), 5.1 YAC/reception

• One of my favorite WR, Lance does have a tendency to run tall, can be pushed around at times, but shows elite explosive ability and the ability to create a ton of separation. Lance did what you want to see players do at the FCS level, dominate, with his production coming in the last two years alone. He has exceptional route running, is an extremely fluid mover in space, does well to drive his hips and come back to the ball, while also being a dangerous threat as a jump ball receiver showing the out of frame & back shoulder catches you want in a true X. Lance blocks well, can be schemed as a true YAC target, and overall showcases every metric, trait, and while raw as a receiver in some aspects, he looks to be a true go to receiver in the NFL.

Elijah Sarratt, Indiana(Consensus: Round 3)

HT: 6’2 | WT: 213 | Career: 239 rec, 3652 yards, 44 touchdowns, 3.6% drop rate, 57.4% contested catch rate (54/94), 5.1 YAC/reception

• Sarratt, no doubt would bring experience with Mendoza which can be enticing. However, Sarratt has his struggles and may be bound for more a Z/slot role in the NFL, he’s an average route runner and doesn’t generate a ton of burst after his cuts. He’s fluid after the catch, but did see a dip down in his production at Indiana comparative to Saint Francis and James Madison. Sarratt does well in contested catch situations, and often thrived off it, with an exceptional ability to control his body and target the ball in the air. Sarratt works well in long distances, is able to generate his separation through his technique over his athleticism. He’s a capable blocker, and does work well within 15 yards of the LOS, plus the redzone, though his route tree is rather basic. Sarratt doesn’t profile as a true top receiver, but the connection with Mendoza could be too much to pass up.

Ted Hurst, Georgia State(Consensus: Round 3)

HT: 6’3 | WT: 195 | Career: 130 rec, 1999 yards, 15 touchdowns, 9.7% drop rate, 61.1% contested catch rate (33/54), 4.6 YAC/reception

• Ted Hurst is an extremely interesting WR prospect this year. He’s an extreme athlete posting a 9.9 RAS with a 4.42 40, 1.55 10, and good broad numbers. Hurst shows the explosion off the LOS, a high end release package, and exceptional body control. He was the go to receiver for Georgia State, and despite limited QB play, did a lot. He has a great ability to plant and release through cuts, understands DB leverage well, and is an above average route runner. Hurst moves well for his size, shows the production, and while he’s slightly average after the catch he does show flashes of an elite threat with good burst and wiggle, there’s little that he doesn’t come down with. Hurts shows a knack for finding the ball in the air, is able to turn and adjust in air, while also working well between X and a big slot. The Raiders could look to round 3 for a WR, and Hurst shows the upside of a potential top NFL receiver.

Malachi Fields, Notre Dame(Consensus: Mid 4th)

HT: 6’4 | WT: 222 | Career: 165 rec, 1486 yards, 16 touchdowns, 5.7% drop rate, 47.3% contested catch rate (35/74), 4.7 YAC/reception

• Malachi Fields won’t wow you with his downfield receiving ability, but he’s certainly an interesting prospect to keep note of. Fields has good initial explosion, having a track background, and while his 10/20/40 times don’t show it, he does have downfield quickness also with a clocked 11.28 100M in high school. He’s a true big body receiver, and showed good body control, an ability to go out of frame, and high concentration on receptions. Fields is a fluid route runner, wins with technique and strength, and also does create separation off the initial cut. His ceiling is limited, and he’s not an explosive downfield threat, but he’s reliable, and consistent along with being a good blocker. Fields has seen his stock fall a little, but could be a sneaky round 4 option though it’s hard to see him as a true go to receiver.

Ja’Kobi Lane, USC(Consensus: Mid to Late 4th)

HT: 6’4 | WT: 200 | Career: 99 rec, 1368 yards, 18 touchdowns, 7.5% drop rate, 49% contested catch rate

(24/49) , 3.8 YAC/reception

• Lane has his hype, but he also has a ton of struggles. For being 6’4/200 Lane can be underwhelming at times in contested catch situations, though he does make some highlight reel catches also. He struggles to concentration consistently, is an average route runner, and can get pushed around quite often against more physical DB’s. Lane shows average run blocking, isn’t super explosive off his initial cut, and while he has a good release package it’s inconsistent. Lane does succeed working on out breaking concepts, comes back to the ball well, and overall is just a solidified chain mover. His drop rate is high, but has improved over his career, and Lane does have moments of quality route running. While he’s likely not a true X, Lane can provide some size and juice at the position. Lane has improved his route running year after year, and while average for now he does have subtle nuance to his game that will help at the NFL level, and his route running should also improve as he goes on. He’s an intriguing receiver prospect, who may have declared a year too early, but is someone worth a mid round selection on.

Eric McAlister, TCU(Consensus: Round 4)

HT: 6’3 | WT: 205 | Career: 168 rec, 3067 yards, 24 touchdowns, 8.7% drop rate, 45.2% contested catch rate (33/73), 7.4 YAC/reception

• McAlister may be off the Raiders boards for his off-field issues, though he’s a big play waiting to happen. McAlister is likely going to thrive in the slot in the NFL, but can work on the boundary as well. He shows an elite ability to create space for himself and turn into a runner, with RB like quickness and short area burst. McAlister has an elite first step, flys off the LOS, and has true downfield speed to be a high end playmaker. He struggles with concentration drops, can be pushed around by bigger DBs, and will also need to improve working the short area game. McAlister wins off his athleticism, and while it’ll work in the NFL, higher tier CBs likely will push him out of the game until he can refine the route running to win with his athleticism and technique. McAlister has the ability to be a top receiver for a team, likely switching between X/Z/slot, but he’s semi raw and needs to find consistency.

Tyren Montgomery, John Carroll(Consensus: Early to Mid Round 5)

HT: 6’2 | WT: 190 | Career: 176 rec, 2599 yards, 32 touchdowns, 3.4% drop rate, 64% contested catch rate (25/38), 5.9 YAC/reception

• I feel that Montgomery is bound to end up with New England, but who knows. The John Carroll product is nearly identical to former Raiders and Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers. There’s questions obviously surrounding how well he will be coming from D3 to the NFL, but Montgomery flashed at the Senior Bowl, shows extreme quickness and short area burst, and is an extremely reliable receiver. Montgomery, is not a true D3 receiver and likely would’ve had P4 interest if he hit the portal over the NFL this year. He shows a good frame, is an elite run blocker at the level he’s played, and his route running is crisp. Montgomery needs to clean up his technique, as it won’t succeed vs NFL CB but he shows a reliable, big framed target, that can consistently get open, find space, and be a threat after the catch. Montgomery has a lot of potential to develop into a top WR with the right system and coaching, and a 5th round flyer would be a smart investment for any team searching for more depth or upside at WR.