2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders land defensive star in full first round mock

2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders land defensive star in full first-round mock

23. New York Jets (Via Seattle Seahawks) – WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

The Jets got their quarterback at pick #2 with Ohio State’s Justin Fields, and now they go back into the Big Ten to find themselves a wide receiver. Running back has been a typical choice here, but it just doesn’t seem like a valuable pick.

The top-5 rushers in the league last season were not taken in the first round, and at this point, recent history has proven taking one in the first round doesn’t tend to work out, particularly when it comes to resigning them.

A wide receiver is simply a more valuable position at this point, and a guy like Rashod Bateman could really help New York. He is not an explosive athlete, but he is plenty fast enough, and more importantly, he is a great route runner that attacks the ball in the air. He could instantly become someone who Fields (or whatever QB they draft) trust.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame

The Steelers have Alejandro Villanueva approaching free agency, and even if they do bring him back, the offensive line is still a unit to address. Liam Eichenberg was a three-year starter at Notre Dame and didn’t allow a single sack in 2019 & 2020.

He is a polished player who could be a Day 1 starter for the Steelers, which a team looking to compete right now needs. He may not have the upside of some other tackles, but his floor is one of the highest. Running back is also a position mocked to Pittsburgh, but again, if the offensive line is playing at a high level, the running game will succeed.