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

With the 48th pick in the second round, the Raiders will look to add a pass rusher that they have long been searching for.  Joseph Ossai out of the University of Texas is the man for the job, as he continues to build on an impressive college career with a great showing at his pro day.

Ossai has 30 tackles for loss and 11.5 tackles for loss in 29 games with the Longhorns and is a versatile player who is equally adept in space and as a pass rusher. In addition to those pass rush and backfield stats, Ossai also has two interceptions, three passes defended, and 100 tackles in three seasons with the Longhorns, which displays some of that versatility.

The former Longhorn looks to be a tremendous athlete, as he recorded a 41.5-inch vertical leap, and a 4.63 40 while measuring in at 6’3.5, 256lbs at his pro day. He is a bit of a tweener and may struggle to hold up consistently against offensive tackles, but he can provide a speed rusher to a Raiders defense sorely in need of one.

Gus Bradley can also deploy him at the other linebacker positions and use him as a blitzer with his ability to both rush the passer and make plays in space. Ossai is not a pure defensive end like Gregory Rousseau or Kwity Paye, but in an NFL where versatility is key, he fits the need for the Raiders and has the potential to be an impact player.