There are three position groups that the Las Vegas Raiders can wait till Day 3 of the 2021 NFL draft to dip into, and we look at them here.
The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into this weekend’s NFL draft extravaganza with a bevy of holes that need addressing. Though some key positions were addressed via free agency, big picture-wise, others will be filled through the draft. Particularly, the team still needs a tackle prospect to come in following Trent Brown’s exit.
Also, Las Vegas needs another safety despite Karl Joseph’s return this offseason. Those two positions will likely be looked at within the first and second days of the draft. On the other hand, there will be other players that could temp the Raiders when these positions can be filled after Day 2.
For example, many NFL mocks have the organization taking linebacker Micah Parsons at number 17, when in reality linebacker isn’t a critical need. Another position we are all noticing that’s gaining steam is cornerback. It’s a double-edged sword when it comes to cornerback due to the number of talented prospects that will go early.
A recurring theme among many fans regarding this year’s draft is that the Raiders should go best player available no matter the position. All things considered, this would be a critical error on the part of the Raiders’ brain trust.
If Las Vegas were to follow this philosophy, the pick would be a wide receiver or running back such as Najee Harris. This would be a disastrous opening draft day given the fact that neither position is a need. What the team does need to do is pick up a tackle, a safety, and an interior defensive lineman within the first two days.
So what positions should Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock wait until the third day to look at? Let’s take a look.