2021 NFL Draft: Does it make sense for the Las Vegas Raiders to trade up?

The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 17 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but does it make sense for them to trade up even higher in the first round.

It is no big secret that the Las Vegas Raiders have issues to address on both sides of the ball heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, including in the secondary, and at right tackle. Unlike the previous two seasons, the Raiders do not hold multiple first-round picks, so sitting at No. 17, they need to make sure they get this selection right.

The problem with that is, you never know how the first round is going to play out, and the team may have to trade up to get the player they want. We know there is going to be movement in front of them, as teams are in desperate need of quarterback help, and that could lead to some top prospects falling a bit.

Looking at the teams in front of Las Vegas, we know that at least five quarterbacks are going to go early, all of which could land in the top-10 picks. Last year, the draft played out just the way the Raiders wanted it to, as they needed a wideout, and all the elite prospects were still available when it came time for them to pick.

Raiders may have to trade up into the top-15 selections

While quarterbacks are going to fly off the board, and we could see elite talent like Penei Sewell and Kyle Pitts go early, as well as the wide receivers, there is still a chance the Raiders may need to move up into the top-15. They are in desperate need of a right tackle, and elite help in the secondary, and the best of those areas could still go in the top-15.

If the draft starts to turn away from the Raiders’ favor, they may need to discuss moving up, even if it is only a few spots.

Of the five first-round picks the combination of Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden have selected in the previous two drafts, only one has proven he can play at a high level consistently, and that is running back Josh Jacobs. Las Vegas does not have the luxury of reaching in 2021, and certainly not missing, so it would not be surprising when the chips start to fall, Mayock and Gruden get aggressive and try to move up.

Sure, if Rashawn Slater or Patrick Surtain start to fall, moving up makes sense, but based on the quarterbacks and elite wideouts available in 2021, staying at No. 17 could still net them a Day 1 starter that can fill one of their major holes.