3 Senior Bowl standouts who fit the Las Vegas Raiders needs

The Senior Bowl officially brings Las Vegas Raiders fans into the draft season, and this year will be no different, especially after another year outside of the playoffs in 2020. It is a week where everyone has the chance to see the best players in college football in a competitive environment, and with no in-person Scouting Combine this year, the pressure was on for young prospects to show out and create a name for themselves.

Of course, the Raiders brass was there, with general manager Mike Mayock dropping interviews left and right. While he did add sound bits for discussion, the main reason they were in Mobile was the prospects, as the talent at the Senior Bowl has increased every year under Jim Nagy, with potential Day 1 draft picks flooding the field.

Both the American and National teams were equipped with players that could help upgrade the Raiders roster immediately, and some standouts were exceptional all week.

Prospects who stood out and can help the Raiders immediately

S Richie Grant, UCF

Safety is talk of Raider Nation when it comes to the 2021 NFL Draft, and after watching the last 16 games, it should be. With all eyes on the safety position, one player that made money was Richie Grant out of the University of Central Florida.

Grant is smaller safety, weighing at 194, but played all over the field for UCF. He exhibited these traits while working in the one-on-ones against the wide receiver in drills at the Senior Bowl. His technique makes him versatile and able to come down and play the slot on third down.

The former UCF safety is a player the Raiders could snatch up around Day 2. The upside for Grant is sky high, and his senior bowl performance elevated that even higher.

DT Levi Onwuzurike, Washington

Defensive tackle is a position of need for the Raiders, especially with Johnathan Hankins hitting free agency. The Senior bowl was loaded with top-level talent at the position, but the main attraction was Levi Onwuzurike from Washington.

After opting out of the 2020 season, Onwuzurike displayed he did not miss a single step, as he dominated all week during one on ones and team periods. His burst plus power moved guards and centers with ease and pushed the pocket consistently on film.

Onwuzurike might be too much of a reach at pick No. 17 overall, but his upside screams for him to be drafted on Day 1. He has a chance to rise after his senior bowl performance and could be a player the Raiders decide to take at 17.

OT Dillon Radunz, NDSU

North Dakota State has dominated FCS football for the past decade. They continue to pump out high-level talent into the draft and this year is no different, with Dillon Radunz attempting to make his way into Day 1 discussions.

Radunz was salivating to prove that his skills were ready for prime time, and he was successful. The left tackle stonewalled edge rushers left and right with reckless abandon, and he showed incredible versatility, as he can play guard as well. His size and athleticism were on full display for scouts and coaches.

The Raider situation at left tackle is secured, as Kolton Miller has been a tremendous get for this team since being drafted in the first round back in 2018. However, the right tackle is up in the air with the status of Trent Brown’s contact. The Raiders sent scouts to watch Radunz earlier last fall, and he could be a player they covet in the draft.