Las Vegas Raiders: 3 positions to avoid in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft
By Brad Weiss
Las Vegas Raiders: 3 positions to avoid in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft
Quarterback
For the past few years, a lot of the Raiders fan base has been clamoring for them to draft a quarterback in the first round. From Kyler Murray to Tua Tagovailoa, it seems like every year the team is rumored to move on from quarterback Derek Carr, but they have passed on a signal-caller with all five of their first-round selections.
Holding that kind of draft capital, the Raiders could have easily moved up and got their guy, but Carr has remained the starter. They have made a plan to build around him, and as he enters Year 4 under Jon Gruden, the franchise is going to bring in another asset to build around him, not take a quarterback to replace him in the first round.
On Day 3, there are some interesting quarterbacks to look at for depth, but with Marcus Mariota and Nathan Peterman still on the roster, it is likely going to be another draft where they avoid bringing in a quarterback, especially at pick No. 17.
This is not to say the Raiders should not target some of these position groups later in the 2021 NFL Draft, it is just not that big of a priority at pick No. 17. There is only one really elite edge rusher in the first round, and they will likely be gone by the Raiders pick, and reaching is something they cannot afford once again in 2021.