2021 NFL Draft: Position groups Las Vegas Raiders should target Round 1
By Brad Weiss
Help on the edge is still needed for the Raiders
In terms of the edge rusher spot, the Raiders have tried a bunch of different ways to improve, including using the No. 4 overall pick on Clemson star Clelin Ferrell. In that draft, it turned out that the fourth round pick, Maxx Crosby, became the better edge rusher, but it is still very early in both players careers.
Ferrell played better in Year 2, but is not the edge rusher the Raiders were hoping for, and they could decide to add more talent coming off the edge in the first round this April. Guys like Takkarist McKinley and Vic Beasley were brought in this year to help, but they did not work out, and the big money spent on Carl Nassib did not pay off either.
There are some big-name edge rushers that could be available in the middle of round one, including Kwity Paye from Michigan, and Gregory Rousseau from Miami (FL). In addition, guys like Azeez Ojulari and Carlos Basham Jr. are interesting prospects, so there are a few to keep an eye on.
Sure, the Raiders need help at safety, and at cornerback, and in the interior of their offensive line. However, based on talent, and where they are picking, those position groups are better off getting address in the second round and beyond this year.