Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 Mock Draft Roundup entering March
Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 Mock Draft Roundup entering March
Pro Football Network – Ian Cummings
- Pick #17: CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Teach
- Pick # 48 DE Jordan Smith, UAB
- Pick #80: S Jevon Holland, Oregon
This is the first time I’ve ever seen Caleb Farley fall this far in the draft, but I wouldn’t be mad at all if it happened. Ian Cummings cited Farley’s lack of pedigree compared to fellow prospect Patrick Surtain Jr, and him sitting out 2020 as what could drop him.
All that is objectively true, but Farley’s traits and what he showed when he was on the field should still have him in the CB1 conversation.
Cummings has the Raiders taking Farley as a correction for what he deemed a lousy pick in 2020 with Damon Arnette, who struggled to stay healthy as a rookie and looked downright lost when he actually played in games in Year 1.
"“Farley has the length, youth, and athleticism that Arnette lacks. His addition on the outside should provide the Raiders some flexibility with their ill-advised first-rounder from 2020 while forging a strong duo in Farley and Trayvon Mullen. Farley and Mullen on the outside, with Arnette in the slot, could be an excellent combination under new coordinator Gus Bradley.”"
That is undoubtedly an intriguing secondary.
Next, he has the Raiders selecting UAB’s athletic linebacker Jordan Smith. He showed well at the Senior Bowl and could be on the rise, according to Cummings.
"“This may be surprising, but Jordan Smith has all the tools necessary to go on Day 2, despite receiving none of the hype. He’s 6-foot-6, 255 pounds, with a massive 83-inch wingspan, and he showcased his athleticism and aggressive hand usage at the Senior Bowl.”"
Becoming a full-time pass-rusher may lead to struggles early on for Smith, but he’s someone who could bring instant explosiveness and burst off the edge. To finish off the mock, the Raiders go back to the secondary, but this time it is at safety with Oregon’s Jevon Holland.
Holland appeared to be on track to be a first-round pick, but his choice to sit out in 2020 has him out of sight and out of mind. However, getting a player of his caliber in the third round would be an absolute steal for Las Vegas.
Holland is not a crazy athlete but has very few holes in his game and could provide an instant upgrade at safety and slot corner if needed. Overall, this draft would be an incredible start for Las Vegas, but I’m just not sure how realistic it is.