Breaking: Raiders Zero in on Future Stars: Team Identifies Three Potential Game-Changers in Today’s Championship Games

The conference championships games for college football are about to go under way.

On Friday, the Conference USA, Mountain West, and American Athletic Conference will have their champions decided. For many draft-eligible players, these games represent more than just bragging rights for their team, but also one of their final chances to showcase their abilities to NFL scouts. While the season is only the start of the pre-draft process, building momentum and increasing draft stock is never a bad idea.

With these three conferences being part of the Group of Five, many of the players in these games do not receive the same level of hype coming out of college as some of the biggest names in the class. That said, for a team that needs as much help as the Las Vegas Raiders do, there should be no limitations for finding talent. In 2019, the Raiders took a fourth-round flier on an Eastern Michigan product by the name of Maxx Crosby, and he has since emerged as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. If the Raiders can establish a clear plan for talent development, there is no reason that they cannot find another small-school gem.

So which prospects are the Raiders going to be keeping their eyes on?

Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky

With current slot cornerback Nate Hobbs set to be a free agent after this season, the Raiders will have to address that role on defense this off-season.

Stout’s five-foot-eight, 190-pound frame will limit him to the slot at the NFL level, but his measurements are the only real knock on him. The best part about Stout’s game is he plays much bigger than his size, and that physicality shines through every time he makes a play. Stout has proven to be a factor in stopping the run, being able to quickly shed blocks and attack the ball-carrier with urgency. In pass coverage, Stout has the press coverage know-how to knock receivers off of their routes, as well as being one of the rare small cornerbacks to regularly win contested catch battles. Stout’s skillset has earned him praise from NFL scouts, netting him an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and being highlighted by executive director Jim Nagy.

Stout projects as a Day 3 selection, which allows the Raiders to attack other positions of need first. Once Round 4 rolls around, however, circling back to Stout would be an excellent idea.

Ricky White III, WR, UNLV

While Boise State running back and Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty will dominate the discussion during the Mountain West title game, UNLV has plenty of draft prospects in their own right, with White being the highest-rated of the bunch.

With two dominant seasons under his belt since transferring to UNLV, White has emerged as one of the top sleeper candidates of this class. A six-foot-one receiver with blazing speed, White has found the perfect fit in offensive coordinator Brennan Marion’s Go-Go offense as its top vertical playmaker. There is more to White’s game than outrunning defensive backs, however; this season, his route running looks more polished, his versatility allows NFL teams to project him in a wider range of roles, and his four blocked punts on special teams guarantees him a roster spot in his rookie year. There is still some cleaning up to do but, in a receiving crop lacking much separation past the top few names, White’s skillset could easily push him into Round 3 with the chance to increase further, should UNLV pull out an upset win and earn their spot in the College Football Playoff.

The Rebels have been frozen out of the draft since 2010, when the Atlanta Falcons selected guard Joe Hawley in the fourth round. It is not a question if White will break that cold spell, but just how high he will hear his name called.

Patrick Jenkins, DT, Tulane

Injuries to defensive linemen Christian Wilkins and Malcolm Koonce have highlighted the need for depth at the position.

If the Raiders are still in need of help, Jenkins could be an interesting add in Day 3. A TCU transfer, Jenkins has emerged as an anchor to Tulane’s defensive line. Having the requisite strength needed to push off of blockers, Jenkins makes an impact in both stuffing the run and rushing the passer from the interior. Jenkins’ 292-pound frame is somewhat lighter than a traditional NFL defensive tackle, so he will have to be shifted around the defensive line to find the best fit. His technique could also use refinement and, with another year of eligibility still remaining, Jenkins could easily decide to use it to stay in school and potentially increase his draft stock.

Should Jenkins choose to declare for this year’s draft, he has the tools that give him a projectable high ceiling at the NFL level. The Raiders would be smart to bring him on as a developmental option going forward.