2021 NFL Draft: Should the Las Vegas Raiders trade back in round one?

Should the Raiders trade down in Round 1?

Then there is the case for moving down in round one, as there is still a lot of talent that can help this team right away after pick No. 17. In fact, the Raiders could find a trade partner so desperate to move up that they could get out of 17, move down a bit, and possibly pick up another early Day 2 pick.

Mayock and this Raiders team need more than just six players to right the ship next season and having three of the first 60 or so picks are a lot better than having two of the first 49. Moving down in round one could still net the Silver and Black a dominant edge rusher like Azeez Ojulari, or even a tremendous defensive tackle like Christian Barmore, both players who can help this team in Year 1.

There is a lot of talent at positions of need for the Raiders in this class, especially in terms of edge rushers and defensive tackles if the Raiders want to move down in round one. Also, there are some safeties they could get later in the first, as well as some help at linebacker, as the defense has to be the priority this offseason.

Las Vegas won eight games last season, which was a one-win improvement, but it did not take the sting out of a 2-5 swing to close out the year. Mayock and Gruden are entering their third year together, and Gruden’s fourth as head coach, so the time is now if they want to change the narrative surrounding this franchise.

In my opinion, they should trade down, get some more draft capital, and still get an impact player in round one.