Las Vegas Raiders 2021 7-round mock draft: Defense gets a boost
By Nick Ellis
![ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text 'THE PICK IS IN' for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text 'THE PICK IS IN' for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F04-2F951976438-2018-nfl-draft-jpg-850x560-6ea929909171e4b4d53ac3ee29c906705f0c2d26640fe75b7f408b7a54d56e36.jpg)
Amari Rodgers. 112. player. 879. . Wide Receiver. Tigers
You know two things about the Raiders when it comes to drafting, they are going to take a wide receiver, and they are going to take at least one player from Clemson. Why not kill two birds with one stone by selecting a dynamic wideout who is ready to come into the league and dominate right away?
In 2020, Amari Rodgers recorded 77 receptions for 1,020 yards and seven touchdowns, all the while helping the Clemson Tigers to another College Football Playoff berth. Rodgers has a build that no other Raiders receiver has, as a short, stalky slot receiver with great hands and incredible YAC ability.
Michael Carter. 146. player. 838. . Running Back. Tar Heels
Michael Carter had an incredible 2020 season, rushing for 1,245 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 8.0 yards per carry. If Carter falls to the fifth round, it would make a ton of sense for the Raiders to draft him, teaming him with one of the best young running backs in football.
Although Booker was a great addition to the running back group, there is a chance he will not be back with the Raiders, and Carter could actually be a significant upgrade. He may be thrust into action early, especially considering everything that is going on with Josh Jacobs, and what the league could do to him. Carter is one of the more NFL-ready backs in this draft.