Raiders 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft: Vegas adds two WRs in first round

Although the Raiders do not address the linebacker position in the first round, they get a steal in the third with Malik Harrison. In last year’s draft, the Raiders went after players on the best teams to make sure they got coachable players that could act as leaders. This description fits Harrison perfectly.

Coming out of Ohio State, Harrison is not a player that will miss tackles often. Harrison will be great in stopping the run and short routes, as unlike the Raiders current linebackers, Harrison will be able to wrap up whoever has the football. Harrison has improved his pass coverage and has all the physical skills to continue that improvement, but the Raiders should look for a great coverage linebacker in free agency with this draft tactic.

The Raiders get another steal in the third round, as Jaylon Johnson has everything the Raiders need at corner, lining up opposite of Trayvon Mullen. Johnson has a great mixture of length and speed as well as being aggressive on the ball.

The best part about Johnson is that he won’t allow the big play, something Raiders defensive backs have struggled with for years. Although the Raiders went after offense in the first round, they get two players who can make an immediate impact on the defensive side of the ball.

The Raiders get another linebacker this round, this time selecting a linebacker with coverage ability who is fresh off leading his team to a victory in the Rose Bowl over the Wisconsin Badgers. Troy Dye from Oregon is extremely athletic and quick for the position, able to cover tight ends, which is something the Raiders have not been able to do in years.

If the Raiders can get Dye in the weight room and add some more size to him, he could become this draft’s Maxx Crosby. If Dye manages to slip this far in the draft, the Raiders should take him, as he not only fills a void, but as a four-year starter for the Ducks, he is one of the more NFL-ready linebackers in this draft class.