Raiders add another edge rusher and a linebacker to close out the 2021 class
After arriving at Ohio State as a borderline five-star recruit, Jonathon Cooper’s career has been thwarted continuously by a bevy of injuries. However, in 2020 he was able to stay healthy, and when it matters most, Cooper shined.
Against Northwestern and Clemson, he flashed both as a run defender and pass rusher.
His injury history makes it difficult to know precisely where he is going to land, but a guy like Cooper brings good depth to your defensive line. He’ll also provide a ton to the locker room as he displayed tremendous leadership during his time with the Buckeyes.
Auburn’s K.J. Britt is an old-school, run-stuffing linebacker who will make both the running back and linemen think twice about engaging with him. However, when athleticism and coverage ability is essential to making it an every-down linebacker, he just doesn’t appear to hold up.
I think Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock will like his work ethic and reported leadership, especially at the end of the draft. Look for him to make an impact on special teams and hopefully add depth to a position group that needs to improve in a big way this offseason.
So there you have it, an all-defense 2021 7-round mock draft for the Las Vegas Raiders. Of course, this is a pre-free agency, and over the next few weeks, anything can happen in terms of this roster. Suddenly, the offensive line is a need, and there are still issues at wide receiver, so the expectation is the 2021 class will be a mix of both offensive and defensive players.