Las Vegas Raiders: 3 bold predictions for the 2021 NFL Draft
1. Trade up in the first round to get an impact defensive player
The Las Vegas Raiders were reportedly looking to trade back in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft to pick up some extra picks but were concerned that another team would snatch up Henry Ruggs. So instead of moving back, reportedly to the Tampa Bay slot a few picks after them, they stood pat and took the Alabama speedster instead of letting the San Francisco 49ers get a chance to pick him.
This time around, we believe that the Raiders will be looking to trade up to draft an impact defensive player like Micah Parsons or Kwity Paye if they get word another team is eyeing them. There should be plenty of movement in the top 10 as some teams like Detroit or Carolina could be looking to take advantage of the hot QB market to move down.
The Raiders will definitely not have to trade into the top-5 to get one of the top tier defensive players but a move from 17 to around 10 could be enough to get their target. This is a team and a defense that needs bigtime playmakers on that side of the ball and while they could take a chance that one of their top choices could fall to 17, they can trade up using one of their additional third and fifth rounders to move up and ensure they get their guy.