Las Vegas Raiders: 3 bold predictions for the 2021 NFL Draft
2. Raiders go all defense until the second pick of the third round
Many of the mock drafts, including several by yours truly, have had the Raiders linked to one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the first or second round. This has the makings of one of the deepest tackle classes in recent memory as there are at least 5-7 tackles who are worthy of a first-round selection.
Several great interior offensive line prospects have been given grades between the first and third rounds but we predict the Raiders will wait until the fourth round to select one of them. The Raiders know they need defensive playmakers and there are several out there at all three levels of the defense that will be up for grabs.
The combination of a major need on defense and the current state of the offense, particularly the offensive line which has many of the key pieces in place, will allow the Raiders to take the best defensive player available until the fourth round. Four of the five offensive line positions are set and even right tackle can be considered set if the Raiders believe Brandon Parker or even Denzelle Good are ready to take on the job full-time.
Jon Gruden will definitely have his say and will want to bolster his offense but even he knows that even the most high-powered offense can’t consistently outperform an awful defense. He just needs to watch the tape of the collapses against Miami and Kansas City, among others, to remember why he needs more talent on defense.