Las Vegas Raiders pre-free agency 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft

As mentioned earlier, the trade of right tackle Trent Brown opened up a massive hole, both literally and figuratively, in the Raiders’ offensive line that must be filled. Many predict that the Raiders will target a veteran tackle to slide into the role with names like Daryl Williams from Buffalo or Cameron Erving from Dallas being thrown around as possible replacements.

If the Raiders were to go the veteran route, they still need a long-term solution, and someone like Jalen Mayfield could be a perfect fit as the swing tackle of the present and a starter in the future. Mayfield saw his stock drop due to a shortened season in 2020, where he played in just two games but was excellent in 2019 even when facing future NFL stars like Washington’s Chase Young.

Mayfield is a pro-ready prospect with great size at 6’5″, 320lbs, and has shown he has the footwork and athleticism to play tackle at the next level. He does not have a lengthy resume having played just 15 games in three years at Michigan, but there should be enough tape there for the Raiders to make a decision.

Las Vegas may not feel comfortable plugging him in as a starter in Week 1 but he can still be a contributor if called upon similar to the role John Simpson played for the Raiders in 2020. Mayfield is a potential foundational piece and could give an excellent bookend to LT Kolton Miller who is looking more and more like a franchise player as he develops.