We are looking at the best-case scenario for all 10 of the Oakland Raiders' 2015 NFL draft picks.
Player: Andre Debose
Position: Wide receiver/returner, Florida
Round: Round 7, No. 221 overall
Earliest he could have big role: Week 1
Why is there an opportunity? The Raiders don’t have a set return man. Running back Latavius Murray and cornerback TJ Carrie returned kicks, while Carrie handled punt return duties. Both of these players are in line to be starters this season, so Oakland may be looking for another returner.
Who is in his way? It’s complicated. It’s highly doubtful Debose will make the roster as a receiver. The Raiders’ receiving group is deep. The only way he is going to make it is if he shows it would be silly to cut him. He has to be a star in training camp and in the preseason. It would be a burden on Oakland to carry a pure return specialist, especially with special-teamer Taiwan Jones being essentially a specialist. This is a growing roster and the Raiders can’t afford to take roster spots away from positions. But if Debose is truly a weapon -- he tied the SEC record with four career kick returns for touchdowns at Florida -- the Raiders may have no choice but to keep him.
Current thoughts: Debose’s best chance is to develop on the practice squad. But, again, he does have the chance to prove he’s too valuable to keep off the roster.
