One explored path is adding a wide receiver to complement Mendoza, either from late first-round options or a contender from Day 2. If Las Vegas goes receiver, which player would best fit Mendoza’s style and the offense remains a key question heading into the draft.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine urges the Raiders to avoid drafting Denzel Boston in the first round. While Boston is a 6’4”, 212-pound target with strong contested-catch ability, Ballentine notes he is not a natural separator and highlights concerns about route running, suggesting other receivers might better diversify the unit.
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes takes the opposite view, arguing the Raiders should trade back into the first to secure Boston and avoid waiting for him to possibly slip to Day 2. She praises Boston’s size and catch-the-ball prowess, arguing that pairing him with Mendoza would address a needed big-body target in the offense.
Boston’s 2023 season at Washington saw him post a strong PFF profile, including an overall grade near the top of his position group and a solid receiving grade, with 56 receptions on 86 targets for 755 yards and 10 touchdowns, reflecting impactful production and a potential mismatch in multiple alignments.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler adds another angle, suggesting the Raiders consider drafting Mendoza’s former college teammate Elijah Sarratt on Day 2 to recreate the familiar chemistry. He emphasizes how a compatible connection between Mendoza and Sarratt could enhance timing and trust in the passing game, regardless of whether Sarratt lines up outside or in the slot.
