Will the Las Vegas Raiders really use all of their 2021 draft picks?
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders hold eight selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, but will they actually use all eight picks across the three-day event?
The 2021 NFL Draft is a big one for Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden, as they are entering their third offseason together. Across the previous two NFL Drafts, they have been hit or miss, especially in the first round, which is concerning considering they had five first-round selections.
This year, the Raiders did a nice job adding some talent via free agency, getting a tremendous edge rusher in Yannick Ngakoue, adding John Brown to the wide receiver group, and re-signing some key players of their own. As they head to the 2021 NFL Draft, issues still remain, including the offensive line, and in the secondary, so missing on their draft picks, especially early, is not an option.
Raiders hold eight picks in the 2021 NFL Draft
Las Vegas is coming off an eight-win season, but it was also a year that saw them lose all but two games down the stretch. That turned them from a potential playoff team to another year watching from their couches, something that is not going to fly as Jon Gruden enters his fourth season back on the sidelines.
Here is their current list of selections
- Round 1, Pick No. 17
- Round 2, Pick No. 48
- Round 3, Pick No. 79
- Round 3, Pick No. 80
- Round 4, Pick No. 121
- Round 5, Pick No. 162
- Round 5, Pick No. 167
- Round 6, Pick No. 200
That gives the Raiders eight selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, and plenty of draft capital to move up a few spots if need be. Also, the Raiders could move down in the first round if the picks before them land a certain way, so they could get extra draft capital, as they certainly have a bunch of holes to fix this offseason.
At pick No. 17, I believe the focus should be on the offensive line, especially if they can get one of these elite offensive tackles in this class. It is also possible that one of the elite cornerbacks in this draft could be available when the Raiders select, though they may have to trade up if there is one they really like.
I believe that the Raiders end up with less than eight selections this season, as Mike Mayock and company are going to try and trade up. Remember, last year they were done drafting in the fourth round with Amik Robertson from Louisiana Tech, so if this front office has a chance to send some picks away to move up a few spots, do not be surprised if they do so.