Las Vegas Raiders 2021 7-round mock draft: Defense gets a boost

After a disappointing ending to a 2020 season that saw the Raiders go 8-8, Coach Gruden and Mike Mayock have to nail the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Raiders have a tendency to make surprise picks in the first round of the draft, such as taking Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell fourth overall over Kentucky’s Josh Allen and taking Henry Ruggs III and Damon Arnette in the first round last year. This is a trend that needs to stop, as the Raiders have got to make the correct picks in the first two rounds of the draft.

There is no question that the Raiders need to go defense-heavy in this draft, but whether they should select an edge rusher, corner, safety, or linebacker is the question. The Raiders are weak at just about every position on defense, so the best available may be the right move for the team.

Luckily for them, there is a ton of defensive talent in this year’s draft class, and they should be able to get a solid player at pick No. 17 overall. We have seen some big-time players get selected in this slot in recent years, and the hope is that Mayock and Jon Gruden will do their homework and bring in a player who does not need to be such a project in Year 1.

Let’s take a look at a complete seven-round mock draft for the Las Vegas Raiders.