2021 NFL Draft: Top 3 positions the Raiders should target in first round

Raiders still need help at Cornerback

The Raiders need help at safety, there’s no denying that, as you can look at the substandard pass defense as proof. Johnathan Abram will be a mainstay on this defense for at least another year despite being a liability this season.

Unfortunately, other than Abram, the safety position needs some re-tooling this off-season, but it won’t be in the first round of this draft. There’s no real ‘can’t miss’ or ‘elite’ prospect that would merit a first-round selection, at least not yet.

On the other hand, the Raiders could opt to go cornerback, which wouldn’t exactly be a terrible idea.

Raider Nation is surely already shaking their heads at the idea of a cornerback being taken in the first round. Nevertheless, the pass defense would indicate that the current cornerback group is anything but set. Trayvon Mullen is a solid corner that, by default, is the number one corner on this roster.

Damon Arnette struggled mightily as a rookie, though he was affected by COVID, as well as injuries. Then there is Isaiah Johnson, who showed flashes of brilliance, but he still needs time to develop further.

If the Raiders do choose to remedy their shortcomings, there’s a talented pool of corners they can choose from. When it’s their turn to pick, Caleb Farley, Jaycee Horn, and Derion Kendrick might be available.

The third position group that would warrant a first-round selection should be an obvious one.