2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders may just take best defensive player available
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders need help on offense, but after their defensive woes in 2020, they could pick the best defensive player available.
There has been a lot of talk surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, and which position group they need to target with the No. 17 overall pick. Sure, the Raiders have needs on both sides of the ball, and some feel they could go offensive tackle with the first-round pick, bringing in a player to replace Trent Brown at right tackle.
That would certainly be a good choice, as protecting Derek Carr has to be a top priority, especially with so many elite weapons around him. The Raiders have standout players on that side of the ball, but when it comes to the defense, the stars are few and far between, even with the addition of Yannick Ngakoue via free agency.
Sitting at No. 17, the Raiders may decide to forget about positional need, and instead, grab the best defensive player available.
Raiders may end up taking the best defensive player available.
We have already talked about Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons, and how the franchise should not pass on him if he is available in the first round. This kid could be a generational talent for the Raiders, possessing elite athletic ability, and the talent to play three downs at the next level.
Before this offseason, general manager Mike Mayock spoke to the fact that this Raiders defense is lacking playmakers on all three levels, and they could certainly decide to just pick the best defensive player still there at No. 17. The defensive line is improved, but needs help, as is the case with linebacker, while the secondary continues to be an Achilles Heel heading into the first round later this month.
Next. Ranking the Las Vegas Raiders needs heading into the 2021 NFL Draft. dark
If by some miracle, a player like Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater is available at No. 17, they should run up to the podium with the index card, but after those two, the talent gets pretty even. However, elite cornerbacks and safeties are rare in this class, so do not be surprised if Mayock and Jon Gruden just pick the highest defensive player remaining on their board.