Raiders 2021 7-round mock draft: Las Vegas bolsters both lines early
With their second round pick in this mock draft, the Raiders look to bolster the other side of the ball up front, selecting Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith with pick No. 43. This season, Las Vegas returns their entire starting offensive line from last season, and collectively, they are one of the best groups in the game.
However, there are some players who could be moved, and are getting older, including the team’s two starting guards. Gabe Jackson was rumored to be on the move when the team selected Clemson All-American John Simpson in the fourth round this past April, and Richie Incognito is entering his age-37 season.
Both players are still starting-caliber players, but the Raiders need to look to the future. Having a young tandem like Smith and Simpson to take over for Incognito and Jackson eventually would give the team not only a more cost-effective option, but two players who could be molded into Pro Bowl talent down the road.