2021 NFL Draft: 7-round Las Vegas Raiders mock draft brings major haul

With the 48th overall pick, the Raiders select Jalen Mayfield out of the University of Michigan. Mayfield is a talented offensive lineman that some scouts believe projects better as a guard at the NFL level but he has the experience and athleticism to play right tackle in the NFL as well.

As we all know, the Raiders have a need at the right tackle spot, and this is a deep class at the position, they elect to wait until the second round to address the position. Mayfield came to Michigan as a four-star recruit and was a rotation player as a freshman but became a starter as a sophomore.

Mayfield started all 13 games at right tackle as a sophomore and was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten for his play. He originally opted out of the 2020 season but chose to return once the Big Ten announced it would still have a season, however, he only played 2 of Michigan’s 6 games due to injury.

The knock on Mayfield is his lack of experience as he has just 15 starts under his belt but he is a young prospect who may not be ready to start on day one but could be a swing tackle and spot starter initially. He has great size at 6-5, 326lbs, and showed solid athleticism with a 5.38 40 and a 28 1/2 inch vertical jump at his pro day.

The former Wolverine is known for his violent run blocking, which is always a plus for a Jon Gruden offense, but will need some fine-tuning in his pass protection. That will come with development and coaching but he has the foundation and work ethic to speed up that process and become a contributor very soon.