2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders dueling 7-round mock drafts
At first, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to the Raiders didn’t make sense because the club invested a lot in Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski during free agency last offseason. Both linebackers are on the books for two more seasons. Vegas re-signed Nicholas Morrow, and Tanner Muse hopes to suit up in 2021 after he missed the 2020 campaign with a toe injury.
Now, take the position label away from Owusu-Koramoah’s name, and you’ll realize this selection fits the team’s needs. Although the Notre Dame product lists as a linebacker, he’s more of a safety-slot defender.
According to Pro Football Focus, he played most of his snaps in the slot:
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah snaps at each alignment last 2 seasons:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 15, 2021
D-line - 195
In the box - 433
In the slot - 680 pic.twitter.com/9mRexmroBR
Owusu-Koramoah can play the big nickel role and do a little more. At his best, he compares closely to Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James, who had various roles in Gus Bradley’s scheme during the 2018 campaign.
Check out the physical similarities between Owusu-Koramoah and James:
- James: 6’2″, 215 pounds, 33-inch arms, 9 1/2 –inch hands
- Owusu-Koramoah: 6’1½” 221 pounds, 33-inch arms, 8 7/8″ hands
Don’t pigeonhole Owusu-Koramoah into a weak-side linebacker role, a safety or a slot defender. He could be an all-around game-changer for a defense that needs an elite playmaker.
Writer’s Pick: OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State
The Raiders offensive line should raise some concerns after the unit lost three starters, Trent Brown, Gabe Jackson and Rodney Hudson.
Yes, the unit has played without Brown for 16 games over the last two seasons, but the Raiders must upgrade at right tackle with Denzelle Good likely competing to fill Jackson’s spot at right guard.
General manager Mike Mayock expressed his excitement for Jaryd Jones-Smith, but we cannot expect a player who hasn’t lined up for a single snap on offense to claim the starting job. Brandon Parker hasn’t earned the benefit of the doubt for a promotion.
Teven Jenkins seems like the ideal pick for an offense that will look to establish the run with running backs Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake. The 6’6″, 317-pounder set the tone for Oklahoma State’s offensive line for most of the last three years.
Jenkins doesn’t just keep defenders out of the backfield, he’s a violent finisher and arguably one of the best among the prospects at the position in that regard. With him opposite of Kolton Miller, the Raiders would have their tackles set for the foreseeable future.