The first true blockbuster of Day 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft has just gone done. Following the Oakland Raiders’ decision to trade down from the 10th pick with Arizona, the team has used its original third-round selection to pick up star receiver Martavis Bryant from Pittsburgh.
We have traded WR Martavis Bryant to the Raiders for their third round pick (75th overall).
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 27, 2018
The potential of Bryant being traded was raised earlier on Thursday, but it’s rather shocking to see it announced so early in the process. A fourth-round pick out of Clemson back in 2014, Bryant has had a ton of success when actually on the field.
Though, the issue here is that he’s been unable to stay on the field. Bryant, 26, was suspended the entire 2016 season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He then fell out of favor among Pittsburgh’s brass last season.
In 36 career games, Bryant has recorded 126 receptions for 1,917 yards and 17 touchdowns. He now joins Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson on a revamped wide receiver group for the Raiders.